Those who defend the Muslim veil are grossly misreading the situation. It is not some picturesque religious garment equivalent to the often curious attire worn by members of other religions.
It is associated instead with the most extreme version of Islam, which holds that Islamic values must take precedence over the secular state. Only a small minority of British Muslim women choose to wear this veil.
But unlike other religious attire, it is thus inherently separatist and perceived by some as intimidatory. That is why it is unacceptable.
Even Egypt's religion minister says the veil is not a religious symbol. And Tunisia has banned it.
Melanie ends with this warning.
The most grotesque example of all, however, is surely the proposal to build the largest mosque in Europe on the site of the Olympic village in east London. The most prominent landmark on the Olympic site, it is intended to symbolise Islamic power in Britain.
Worse still, it is being funded by the Tablighi Jamaat, said by French intelligence and the FBI to be the most significant recruiters for Al Qaeda in Europe.
And to cap it all, within a mile of the site, the largest church in Europe - the Kingsway International Christian Centre - has been compulsorily purchased and is about to come down.
What greater symbol can there be of the retreat of Christianity and its replacement by militant Islam? This is why the argument over the place of the veil and the cross in public life is so significant.
This is not about prejudice or discrimination. It is about cultural survival.
Which is why we should protest the building of this mosque until Muslims allow churches to built in Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia.
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