At least one politician is whipping himself into a frenzy, suggesting the burqa be banned after it was allegedly used as a disguise in an armed robbery.The case is before the courts and the actual involvement of any burqa-wearing offender remains to be tested.However, it is fair to say some people will feel Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi is justified in his concerns that the burqa could be used to mask crime and terror.Overseas, the issue has inflamed passions. Belgium, where only a small number of Muslim women wear the burqa, has banned the garment in public places and France is considering a similar law.Such moves are made in an environment where leaders are willing to forgo individual liberties for the sake of perceived public safety.Some of us find it curious that women wear the burqa and question whether it is more a symbol of oppression than religious freedom. Some Muslim women testify it as liberating and essential to their faith.We would not like to see tolerance take a step back in this country. We wonder if those who would have the burqa banned are more in fear of another culture than harbour a legitimate fear that community safety is compromised.