In the case that has rocked Britain, a Muslim member of parliament backs the government position. A public school teacher cannot wear a veil in teaching her classes. Money quote:
A [government official] has called for the dismissal of a Muslim teaching assistant who refused to remove her veil in school, as senior Labour and Conservative figures indicated that they were hardening their stance on community relations.
Phil Woolas, the communities minister, whose brief includes race relations, told a Sunday newspaper that Aishah Azmi, 23, had "put herself in a position where she cannot do her job". He added that should the head teacher at the school in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire choose to sack Ms Azmi then "so be it".
He was backed by a Muslim MP who said that it would be a setback for common sense in education if his constituent were to win her employment tribunal claim for religious discrimination. Ms Azmi was suspended from her job teaching children English because she refused to remove the veil.
Shahid Malik, the Labour MP for Dewsbury, said: "The basic thrust of what Phil says is just common sense. If you are not able to fulfil your job requirements then obviously it will be difficult for you to continue in that particular role."
I get the sense that the Brits are starting to hold the line against excessive sectarianism in public life. And this is a good thing.