Women should be free to wear the burqa

So while the language of those supporting a ban purports to be about "safety" (for drivers, banks) or "national security", really Cory Bernardi and Fred Nile are appealing to those who are already fearful of Muslims.

Some argue that this is not a racist measure, because Islam is not a race.

But that is a not-too-clever attempt to remove the calls to ban from the context in which they come.

Racism is the belief that certain "races" are superior to others. White superiority developed to justify first modern slavery and then European colonial rule.

But today, the idea of white racial superiority is so preposterous, so disproved by science and reality, the racists have to try a different tack. Building on fear, or concern about, Islam is the next best option.

New theories of "cultural superiority" of the West are used to prop up racial prejudice that exists, but is under challenge.

NSW MP Fred Nile and Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi are tapping into the anti-Muslim racism that has been building up for a least a decade.

It's been an essential part of the ideology the two major parties have used to justify Australia's participation in the wars in the Middle East, and the need for so-called "anti-terror" laws.

These laws have not protected anyone from any crime. But they have demonised the Muslim community, denied the accused their right to silence and legal representation, and even to stay in contact with their families.

It's true that not everyone who supports a banning is indeed a racist. But I do believe that support for such calls does help the racists.

Isn't this about women's rights?

No.