Finally, someone is stating the obvious. Many Muslims are against the niqab because of what it tends to represent. Why can't someone support women's rights to wear the niqab at home or sitting next to me in the coffee shop but not if they are working in public sector roles encountering the public (such as bus drivers, post office clerks), or passing through security? Two different issues to me. It seems that a bunch of white people who don't have friends from other religions or cultures are quick to jump on the perceived "politically correct" bandwagon without understanding what the niqab represents. (Reminds me of the stupid naive white non-Muslim Ontario politician that once said we should allow Muslim immigrants to practice sharia law in Canada if they want.)  A hijab (head covering) is not a niqab (face veil) so lumping them together in news reports also does not assist the public discourse. Don't know many peeps against hijabs or other religion's head coverings.