The Wire

A symbol of male oppression of women or a religious right? Freedom of expression or enslavement? Appropriate or socially offensive? A debate over these questions was today held at the Australian National University to discuss calls to ban the Islamic burka in Australia. Three leading commentators discussed their views on the female garment that has been the subject of controversy in Western society. Hannah Chipperfield spoke with the three speakers after the public debate to find out whether Australia should ban the burka.