Cleric: Islam doesn’t call for covered faces

THE most senior Muslim cleric in Ireland has said there is nothing in his religion that states a woman has to have her face fully covered.

A spokeswoman for Iman Hussein Halawa made the statement on his behalf in response to a controversial call by a former Lord Mayor of Cork to ban the wearing in public of full burkas which completely cover a woman’s face.

Cllr Joe O’Callaghan has put down a motion to be discussed by members of Cork City Council next month to ban some garments, including hoodies, which cover people’s faces, because he said they are a risk to security.