With regards to funding for both sides of this case, I understand (from the father of a classmate) that the girl was supported by an "strict" Muslim group and that the school was going to drop the case as they would have had to sack a teacher to afford the High Court. Then a group of "liberal" Muslims came forward to pay for the school to proceed.

Anne, Milton Keynes,

What is the reason behind the full veil? To prevent men from being seually aroused. That was said more than 1000 years ago. If a girl today does not want to be annoyed by a boy there are other ways to do so. A full veil is not the only solution. However that veil is a reason for continuous irritation. Is it serving the Muslims in wester world? Is it really being used for its original purpose? Often when I see young Muslim girls roaming around in Central London, wearing scarfs or veils, I wonder whether they really know what they are doing. Those wearing head scarfs can be seen with jeans, maquillage...Is this compatible with the ideas of Islam they pretend to defend? According to these same priunciples, are they allowed to be in such places withgout the leder brother or husband or father? So why the veil? Religious obligation or ...provocation?

Husain, Paris, France

The veil is not worn as a way of suggesting that anyone is 'not worthy' of looking at the individual's face. This is just the wort of view that is the problem. The Veil is, for some, an importand part of religion and culture (they are intertwined), and whilst it doe sno harm to others it should not be prevented form being worn. The only reason we have 'communication problems' when a veil is worn is because it is not somthing we are used to. Not being used to somthing is no reason to prevent it happening -that's just fear.

Richard Borrett, Chester, Cheshire

The threat of an appeal from the girl's lawyer's is only going to plunder more funds from the Local Education Authority, which should be going to support all pupils whatever their religon. Lawyer's who specilaise in suing schools, for the most trivial of incidents , need to have a good look at themselves, Ialthough they dress it up in rhetoric most human rights barristers are only intrested in the huge fees they earn in taking on the government in these sort of cases . We should have an effective public defender sysstem, and encourage the CPS to take on more high profile advocacy to stop this waste of tax payers money.

Uche George, East London, UK

if the pupil in question feels so strongly about this she should go to an islamist country which practices sharia law the uk is mainly a christian country and hopefully will remain so

j robson, kettering, uk

What would happen if the choice of dress for criminals was not a hoody but a head scalf that covered their face? Would people be banned from wearing head scalfs in shopping centres? What if there was a spate of shoplifting thefts by criminals wearing muslim clothes to hide stolen goods, would people be banned from wearing these clothes in shops? What if a suspected terrorist tried to escape capture by dressing up as a veiled muslim woman?

Stuart, Manchester, UK

I would not, if I were a teacher, teach someone that made such a statement to me that I am not worthy to look at her and not worthy to have normal communications with her.

I just would not provide to teaching to her at all.

It is very sad that someone so young is making statements like this when they are going to have to live communicate and work with men if she stays in this country.

I think she should seriously consider moving to a state where the practice of women covering themselves up is the norm.

Ian, London, UK

The sharp edged weapon of legal aid to such claims should be limited: tax payers have funded this case to High Court level, a huge bill. The case should not be funded publicly to any higher level. And issues of dress cannot be matters of 'human rights' detached from actual social contexts. These are not fundamental abstract rights, such as the right not to imprisoned arbitrarily: we are talking matters of taste here. Lord Falconer is going to have his work cut out defending the whole notion of human rights if such matters are allowed to fall within their scope.

Tim, Abingdon,

This kind of court case can only stoke the fire of anti Muslim feeling already present in the UK. Some practices
seem to alienate the non Muslim majority. The full face veil
is one. The UK is not a sharia state, dress rules that apply
to non Muslims should also apply to Muslims.

D Hodgson, Wakefield, West Yorks

This in the same week Zilla Huma Usman is killed for dressing 'inappropriately'

Some people don't realise how lucky they are.

Ash, London, UK

Sir,

I totally agree with the Judge.

I have worked in the Middle East for the past 30 years and Moslems do not respect Christianity at all. I have witnessed Saudia Police beating up Filipino's at the airport because they had a Bible in their bag or were wearing a cross.

Why should we, as Christian British Nationals ,always have to cow tow to every other minor ehtnic group in our OWN country. If she doesn't agree to our laws and customs, let her come and live in a real Moslem (Police ) State, where she will have no rights at all and be treated worse than a dog.

D Elliott, London,