Are you kidding me?! What's the big deal? It's a ring that reminds Christians to wait til marriage to have sex, God's gift. It's just a ring with a Bible verse on it. And I agree with Lydia, if Muslims are aloud to wear head wraps and have their own prayer tower, what's the big deal about us Christians wearing rings? We have a right to what we believe in, same as everyone else. If we aren't alowed to wear our purity rings, then why should anyone else be alowed to wear jewelery or anything that shows what they believe in?

livinforgiven5, Harrisburgh, Pennsylvania

Hmmm. Interesting. So, for those people who are supporting her - does that mean that those who were brought up in a more 'new age' kind of background should be allowed to wear pentagrams / protection runes at school? Same thing - sign of commitment to what they believe in. Where I went to school, no jewellery was allowed, regardless of your religious beliefs. It's really got to be all or nothing. Either everyone's allowed or no one is. The school has done the right thing within the realms of it's own rules. As to whether those rules are reasonable or not ... I personally don't see why it's a big issue for girls to wear jewelery to school - other than the obvious need to subvert any kind of individuality expressed by teenagers. Wouldn't want to have them thinking for themselves.

LC, Melbourne, Australia

can the govenors tell us what worried them about the ring?If the entire school wore one would the school buildings have collapsed?Would there have been riots and anarchy?Are we to assume there are no more important matters for the govenors to deal with.Please confirm there have been no incidents of bullying and no pregnancies amongst the students during recent years?Further,if you have a policy it should be applied equaly to everyone.Selective enforcement of the law is a tyrrany.

ed, hereford,

Wow she's a Christian teenage girl, and so am I! I have a True Love Waits ring which is just like hers and I'm alowd to wear it in school. But that's because my Christian friends and I have made it perfectly clear to our classmates and teachers and the school board that we ARE alowd to wear them! I think that she should be alowd to bring it to court again and keep fighting until the right thing happens! Becasuse the 1st amendment clearly states that we are free to proclaim our religion and it doesnt matter if it is in school! So I think she should still be able to wear it even if the school doesnt agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brittany Leahy, Claremont, New Hampshire

It really annoys me how this always comes into things like this!! O.K so she's a Christian and a teen one as am I, but come on the ring should have been accepted! I wore a cross everyday to school as it is a part of my faith and a symbol of it. I think that her ring is part of hers! I know plenty of people from different faiths and the symbols of their faiths have been accepted, so why can't this one?! Would you tell me that I can't where my cross, or some other symbol as it wasnt part of my unifrom, I think not! I say let her wear it!!!!!!

Mhairi, Glassgow, Scotland

I feel really sad about this girl not being able to wear her ring to school. For once a Christian has the guts to stand up for what they believe in, and I'm really proud of her for doing that.She is really brave. This is England and Christianity is part of our culture. Why is it that this country does not recognize that? If this school has a strict jewellrey rule, then no one should be able to wear it. The message and example being sent out to other youth by this brave girl is great and I would have thought that schools would be pleased to support that. Christians always seem to get shoved to the bottom of the pile when we dare to witness our faith!

Mrs Jacalyn Anne Oghan, Brighton, England

The Ring Don't Maketh The Virgin

We sould be avoiding all debate that pits one religion against another. It is fruitless and doomed to failure as both sides believe they hold the ultimte truth and both sides will not yield on the issue.

This is really a debate about failed multiculturalism. The problem that faces society is how we are going to learn to live together.

Taking cheap shots (Ieven legal ones) are not the answer.

Mame du Bois, Toowoomba, Australia

It doesn't matter if it is part of a religion or not - if it is her personal belief then that should be accepted.
We are supposed to be tolerant of all religions these days so why not hers?
I can't see how a ring that shows a young girl has good morals could upset anyone.
Personally, I would only be concerned with health and safety issues if I was in charge of the school.
I have never heard of an accident with a flat ring, but accidents with long hair, ties, earings, belly button studs, bangles and headscarves - I would be more concerned about that .
If they are using health and safety as an argument then all children must remove jewellrey, headscarves etc... purely to save them from accidents (I remember accidents in my school involving long hair being caught up in metalwork machinery and a tie catching fire with a bunsen burner in the chemistry class )- surely safety is the primary consideration for your children??????

Helen, Cardiff, Wales

When I was at school all jewelery and clothing not part of the uniform were banned. Surely the correct attitude?
If we are to deviate from this then we should allow items that are part of or based on our cultural heritage.
The trouble is it has become PC to adapt to alien superstitions.
We should allow her to wear the ring or anything else she feel strongly about or return to a policy of strict school uniform.

Ted Pillinger, Welwyn,

Of course she should be allow wear the ring.

If it is a symbol of her religious beliefs, as is the case with the Sikh bangles and the 5 Ks, then she should be allowed express her beliefs as the others are entitled to.

If it isn't a symbol of her beliefs, and is just a plain and simple ring, well...then ALL jewellery should be banned. Is all jewellery/ decoration banned in this school in question? - bracelets, ear rings etc...I doubt it. She she have the same rights as everybody else, no more, no less.

Chris, Dublin,

This isn't about Christianity or freedom, it's about the shady side of capitalism masquerading as morality and a Father taking advantage of his paternal privileges to use his daughter as a marketing opportunity. Makes me feel sick . It's almost abuse.

AJ, Oxford, Oxon

I left Millais, the school in question just over a year ago. Although the school has strict uniform policies I believe that in theis situation the case should not go in her favour. I am a committed Christian and believe wholly in abstinence. When the Silver Ring Thing first came to Britiain I thought it was a fantastic idea yet I really believe it has gone to far. It is not necessary for one to wear a ring to prevent them from having sex it is part of that persons character. It is not a integral part of Christianty and nowhere in the Bible does it ever say that one needs symbols to represent their beliefs. To a certain extent I believe it is showing Christianity in a poor light and I am quite ashamed by the events and the way in which it has taken place. I no many Christians in the area and at Millais who wholly disagree with these actions especially as Millais gave her such a fantastic education and many oppurtunies.

Hannah, Horsham, England

The 'Silver Ring Thing' is NOT a religious symbol - it is an expression of faith. Lydia's claims of discrimination are just that - claims. The ring - any ring - is not a vital part of Christianity; while it contains symbolism it is never stated that a Christian must wear a ring. However, the Sikh bangles are part of their religion and the 5 K's. The Muslim headscarves are not only a cultural symbol but are refered to in the Qu'ran, where it says that women walking abroad in a foreign land are to cover their hair and body. Give me a passage in the Bible where it talks of the 'Silver Ring Thing'. Personally I have never found one, and doubt that I will, since it is a modern point of view. The Importance of Chastity and Modesty are highlighted, but in the past we never had so much of a problem with sexual immorality.

As a secondary school pupil and Christian I can understand her decision to wear the ring. But her claims that this violates her rights are unfounded.

Jenni, Andover, UK

lydia is very brave for standing-up for what she believes is right. i just hope my daughter is strong enough to do the same, when the time comes for her to stand and nail her colours on the post too .Instead of joining the ranks of the weakminded and easily led Church Of The Morally Bankrupt .
I thought that through Oliver Cromwell , we were freely alllowed to believe in whatever God we believed in and without persecution.That`s i suppose why so many people want to live here.To have the freedom of choice .For the government to belong to us to serve usas our voice,and not for us belong to them to lord it over .

MIA WHEELER, SWINDON, ENGLAND

British schools operate a uniform dress-code policy, of which limitations on jewellery may form a part. This issue isn't about schools banning religious items thanks to "religious discrimination," "rampant secularism" or "political correctness gone mad" -- this is about the religious, once again, expecting to receive special treatment because of their "faith".

In the UK, for years we've quietly been bending over backwards trying to accomodate religious minorities, such as Sikhs and Muslims. Now it seems the poor, neglected Christians want a piece of the action, gleefully taking "offence" agaist each and every percieved act of "religious persecution".

Jack, London,

"It is sad that the case has to be taken to court, but I am afraid even Christians have no alternative, otherwise Christianity will be a thing of the past in this country" (M. Elward, Bridgend). The alternative is simply to not break the school's uniform policy and carry on manifesting her religious beliefs in private and in genuinely public areas. Christianity itself is not under threat, except perhaps from individual apathy or reasoning.

As for schools teaching morality, one has to ask whose morality they should be teaching? I certainly don't want kids to be taught a Christian morality on the assumption that it is right. Many of us actually think it is profoundly wrong. The school's job should be to teach ethics for living in a busy, complex, diverse society. At least most people in the UK can agree on a rational set of ethics even if the moral principles behind those ethics differ for different people.

DJ, Loughborough, UK

Good for you Lydia, I think perhaps it is pricking peoples conscience seeing you standing for what you know from the Bible to be right, while most schools are more concerned with dishing out condoms and contraceptive pills rather than teaching chastity and morality. Do teachers wear their rings on their fingers are are they banned as well?
It is sad that the case has to be taken to court, but I am afraid even Christians have no alternative, otherwise Christianity will be a thing of the past in this country.

M. Elward, Bridgend,

I don't see why Lydia is being discriminated against. She claims that Sikh girls are allowed to wear their bracelets and Muslim girls their headscarves, but as I understand it these are things that their religion (or a very large section of their religion, at least) demands they wear. The Christian religion has never demanded that girls wear chastity rings.

A better comparison here is with Shabina Begum, who took her school to court for the right to wear her jilbab, which few Muslim authorities saw as necessary for her religion. She lost, and therefore so should Lydia. If she wins, this will clearly show that Christians are being treated more favourably than those of other religions.

David , Hamilton, Scotland

I find it somewhat interesting that an obvious non-religious issue (wearing a ring in a school that has a ban on jewelry) suddenly becomes religious when the individual in question claims that said jewelry is religious. It may be religious to her, but it is not a universal quality of the Christian faith that people wear these rings to pronounce their chastity. I find it a bit disheartening that people cannot see this for what it is - a girl violating a dress code policy and justifying it with her own religious faith

If she cannot live within the reasonable policies set forth by the school, then perhaps she should look elsewhere.

I find it a bit sad that these issues are taking precedence over the most important thing about a school - learning.

Rachel, Vienna, VA

"If the SCHOOL didn't make a fuss, there wouldn't BE a fuss. Stupidity is world-wide" (TL, Redmond, USA). Or, alternatively, if the student didn't make a fuss then there wouldn't be a fuss.

Exceptions have been made in schools for students whose religion stipulates certain dress codes and items but that's to foster inclusiveness and integration. The point is, they're exceptions to a long-standing UK institution of school uniforms in many schools.

It's obvious to most people why schools allow, say, Sikh boys to wear turbans. However, this student is clearly just pushing the boundaries for her own family's political agenda and probably at the taxpayers' expense.

DJ, Loughborough, UK

I can foresee the cross being replaced with a crescent on the british flag...

brace yourself for it

Wilson, Jesselton,

I attended Millais School for 5 years and left last year to do my A-levels. I think this whole case is nonsense. A girl who has already left millais school is using up vital school funds to fight a battle, which I believe is to gain publicity for the silver ring thing, which her father is promoting. This ring is not a religious symbol anyway but to be honest, why does she need to wear it at an all girls school anyway! Millais is a fantastic school and as an ex-pupil I feel sadend and angry by the behaviour of the girl and her family.

Amy, Horsham, England

I have lived in many countries, and you have to obey the cultural norms. When in Rome, do as the Romans do! If you went to Pakistan, you would expect to obey their rules. In India, you obey their rules, etc, This girl goes to school in England. Obey their rules! It would be bad enough if this ring was even a christian symbol such as the crucifix, but it is not even that! If you want to wear rings, veils, crucufix, etc do it outside school time! Wearing this ring can make her stand out from others and can lead to bullying and things like that, so it is a legitimate safety concern.

Veepan, Sydney, Australia

The purpose of schools is education. Pupils should not wear jewelry, veils, or any other non-education related paraphernalia. If you do not obey the school rules, get lost! This stupid girl with her fad ring is not even arguing about the wearing of an accepted religious symbol. In any case, this is a ridiculous legal case and I just hope that the judge has enough sense to throw her and her stupid ring out of court!

Elizabeth Kent, London, England

Note of clarification for some readers; most British schools operate a uniform dress-code policy, of which limitations on jewellery may form a part. This issue isn't about schools banning religious items thanks to "rampant secularism" or "political correctness gone mad" -- this is about the religious, once again, expecting to receive special treatment because of their "faith".

Jack, London,

Maybe she should wear a garish crucifix the size of a guinea pig. That (or a bangle) would be a much greater threat to life & limb than a little ring. If the SCHOOL didn't make a fuss, there wouldn't BE a fuss. Stupidity is world-wide.

TL, Redmond, USA

I am not one for organised religion. However, the reason for which Lydia wears the ring, is an admirable reason - it is an example of self-discipline, reduces the number of single parents, reduces disease, and may contribute to lower the population of humans on the planet (to prevent further harm from being done unto the planet). On this basis, I would grant her an exception.

If the school does not allow her to wear the ring, I hope the school also does not allow the wearing of any religious symbols around the neck - which serve no true purpose (since all religions have members who have either murdered, raped, lied or stole).

Datis, Milton Keynes, England

I am distressed that so many in the U.K. are quite happy to surpress freedom. I'm more than distressed that so many in the U.K. continue to gleefully attack Christianity, the one institution that gave Europe a shred dignity.

Ross, Lander, Wyoming/USA

People must conform with the rules and culture they live in. If she went to Saudi Arabia, she would be forced to be veiled. That is fair enough, because they are the rules. If Muslims go to Britain or other western counties,, then they cannot be veiled, because that is our rules. If the school rule is no jewelry, then you do not wear any. She is free to wear whatever rings she likes in her own time.

CM, Queensland, Australia

Well first off, I think a full jewellery ban seems rather extreme and somewhat communistic. What is the ban in place for again? Secondly, a little ring signifying her pledge of chastity is harming who among you? I can’t believe a school is actually pushing this and before you make any assumptions about me, I am a secular progressive who hasn’t seen the inside of a church in at least 20 years. Freedom again is for who in Britain?

Steven, Chicago, USA

I love your spunk, Lydia! I wish more young people would stand up and do the right thing! The whole world is awash in liberal/leftist propaganda which wants to silence Christians. There are more Christian persecutions going on in the world now than ever in history. Go, Lydia! Lydia is a role model for Christians everywhere, even in the USA! Christians, don`t be silenced, speak up before we are drowned out by political corruption! God bless you and give you wisdom, Lydia! Love in Christ`s name.

DJ Johnson, Kelso, Washington USA

Liberalism used to stand for tolerance of a wide range of views. Notice from the above comments that liberals now resemble pre-WW2 Germany with their highly restrictive politics towards Christians which now play the role of the new Jews in the mind of secular progressives.

Doug Griffiths, Gravette, AR

Hello England! I am from the US and what is fair is fair. I hope she wins her case. Ifg she does not it is sending a message to all Christians that in England you do not have the same rights as other religions. You have less rights.

This story is making the international news even in the middle east. As we say here, YOU GO GIRL!!!

CCC, SLC,UT, USA

What next, are people who belong to the Jedi religion allowed to dress up in Star Wars costumes and bring their light saver to school? Nobody should be allowed to wear any religious or cult symbols to school. The school has a right to insist that students obey the uniform code. If you are unhappy with that, find another school. Fancy wasting court time on rubbish like that. This silly girl should face charges and all court costs.

CM, Queensland, Australia

I think it's very interesting that with all the issues we're experiencing in the UK with regards to anti-social behaviour such as agression towards teachers in schools, violent bullying, gun and knife crime amongst the youth etc. a school is using what little power it has left to not to tackle these issues but to fight a student that by all accounts isn't a problem student but who has chosen to express her decision not to have sex before marriage openly. How can this be rationalised as a sensible use of limited resources? I'm beginning to agree with those who argue that Christians and Christianity have become fair game for PC zealots in the UK. I can't help but believe that that's what's going on here as rational assessment of the issue should have resulted in the school dismissing the issue as trivial instead of this expensive protracted legal battle.

A Adewunmi, London,

Below is the verse Lydia was obeying in 1 Thesalonians 4: 3-4. "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honourable." These are worthy words and any teenager who seeks to obey that should be applauded rather than discriminated against.

Jonathan, Watford, UK

"The girl will win this case, as she is a Christian and therefore not a threat to the country. Lets just get back to basics and avoid the obvious nature of this country. It will treat its own religion with favour over other religions."

You've got to be kidding...

Tina, Dorset,

Of course she should have the right to wear the ring. It is discrete, inoffensive and safe. In an age where we worry about teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, the only way to ensure 100% that these do not happen is for a young person to choose to abstain from sex. It is encouraging to see young people embrace this as a viable option.

Julian, Aberdeen,

The girl is correct - there appears to be an unfair inconsistency in the way that some religions are being favoured over others. The best way out will be for the school to ban all of these items - rings, scarfs, veils, bangles, jewellery or anything with a religious connection.

Roly Atherton, London, UK

I think kids should be able to wear anything and everything they like at school. I can't stand uniforms, it makes them all look like little numbers. Just tell kids they should wear decent clothes and not show off brand names, and let them wear whatever, for goodness sake.

That said, the rules are the rules. The ring is not a religious symbol. It is a symbol of chastity. Last time I checked, "chastity" wasn't a religion. So if the rules are that kids are only allowed to wear jewellery if they have to do so according to their religion, so be it.

starling, Lancaster,

"Doubtless the school allows the wearing of rings by other students2

It doesn't. Pay attention.

starling, Lancaster,

Rev Sam wrote, "Ms Playfoot is the innocent vioctim of a mis-quoted passage. The passage talks of avoiding sexual immorality - not abstention."

Rev, the bible says that any sex outside of marriage is sexual immorality. I trust that your moniker is not indicative of your profession.

Sheila, Seymour, TN, USA

Lydia, may God bless you for your devotion to Him and your commitment to following His word. Try not to get caught up in all the vitriol you read and hear as controversy swirls around you. This is about you and your Lord and Savior and you walk with Him. I will keep you in my prayers. My your and your personal ministry flourish. He has promised that those who remain steadfast in Him to the end will eat of the tree of life.

Lee, Columbus, OH

PC nonsense permits all kinds of behavior and attire as long as they're not associated with Christianity. Christ Himself forewarned us all that anyone who seriously desires to live a Christ-like, and thus pristine life will be maligned, ridiculed, and persecuted. Tatoo covered bodies, discolored hair (incorporating every shade of the rainbow), pierced tongues, bellies, and eyebrows, and religious garb of many non-Christian beliefs are tolerated; yet, a simple ring is strongly objected to simply because relatively few Christians in your country are willing to stand up for one's rights. The USA isn't far behind the UK with its perverted anti-Christian policies to stamp out every vestige of Christianity which accounts for the West's rapid decline into the dustbin of history.

Andrew Kourkoumelis, Fair Lawn, New Jersey USA

Please, High Court Judge, I beseech that your judgement
should run:

"Case dismissed: 1 Thes 3 viii-xii"
heck, he could stick to just "1 Thes 3 xi"

If only these Silver Ring Thingers would read on past verses iii-iv and discover that they should be tolerant of
others until their Going Forth & Multiplying convinces by
force of bred numbers, and that they should buckle down
to what they're supposed to be doing instead of interrupting
study to indulge in a wholly unChristian strident shout-out
about modesty.

Verity Cinnabar, Oxford, Oxfordshire

This is absolutely against the freedom of belief and the symbolization of that belief which is an integral part of that.Having said that living in a globalist, multicultural world and a Hindu by birth, it is for me to say that having a definition for ones identity and using it for positive influence is something which should be wholeheartedly encouraged.As long as Lydia is not causing pain and suffering to others and to herself it is totally acceptable for her to wear a ring symbolizing her desire to abstain from sex until marriage to school.If not then how do we accept someone wearing a brand logo of say a sports company on ones t shirt, which is nothing but crass marketing of the lowest order and also nothing but the assertion of a vacant consumerist identity.It is for us to choose now and make clear to our selves whether we are making religion a scape goat for ills that actually reside elsewhere.

shomu, London, U.K.

I am a muslims and I think that no child should not be deprived of their right to wear religious symbols as long as these atricles were not forced upon them by anyone. When a child freely choses to wear a ring, a cross, or a headscarf, then I dont think it is right for the state to interfere in their choices. This is a free country. England should not be Talibanland.

Z Hussain, Rochdale, UK

Why is it that such cases, concerning the wearing of religious articles, keep on reappearing? The UK is a multicultural/cosmopolitan society which values/accepts the views of a large and diverse population. We are undoubtedly proud of this fact. The issue is that internationally, we are seen to advocate our acceptance for a variety of faiths, and our acceptance of the many ways in people express themselves, but practically we are seen to be doing the opposite. Also, the school’s argument of prohibiting the wearing of religious symbols has been blown out of all proportion. Compared to Morris’s and Eweida’s claims, this case involves a simple ring, which is arguably more discrete and subtle compared to a necklace/chain. It is, in the grand scheme of things, ridiculous that the school should focus on such petty matters when their role within education, and the provision of it, is of greatest importance. In wearing the ring, she shows maturity & self-restraint – we should applaud that.

Marcin Roth, London, UK

I"m up for feedom of rights,speech ect. its all part of the British culture, but please all with some personnel responsbility. this young lady needs to learn to respect the policy of the school as she is asking them to respect her in the same way. The policy was most probably introduced because students went over the top, as people do, when the fashion was to wear jewellery in the school.

Derek James, Merseyside, Britain

James from Reading is right. The story of"Hans Carvel's ring" suggested a similar situation, as recounted by Francois Rabelais
Gargantua and Pantagruel
Chapter 3.XXVIII.
How Friar John comforteth Panurge in the doubtful matter of cuckoldry.

Corazon, New York, USA

I applaud this young woman's religious convictions and it is a shame that she is not allowed to wear her ring. However, most school rules in this regard are a matter of health and safety. Perhaps the silver ring movement could come up with a lapel badge as well, so that young people can continue to show their support for this principle. I would also point out that my own four children, as well as myself, all embraced this principle, remaining pure until marriage, without feeling it necessary to wear an outward symbol of their belief in this principle. It is what is in your heart that counts. I am sure that the people who know this young girl all know and respect her beliefs in any case, although I do wish her well with her campaign. If only more young people felt the need to follow this important principle, society would benefit tremendously.

Sue Whitfield, Darlington,

To Chris Jackson: Obviously it was an abbreviation for 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 so get over yourself on that. Ever heard of hermeneutics? Bible study should be done with regard to the original language and grammar, along with the time/place/context of the passage. This is known as a straightforward reading of the Scriptures. You should try it sometime. Paul uses the word "we" multiple times in chapter 4 (as well as other places), and it clearly refers to "believers" in general. Granted, Paul assumed, incorrectly, that The Lord would return in his life-time. One can gather that from his writings. However, his thoughts on that changed throughout the course of his life. Yes, 1 Thessalonians was written early in his Christian life, and as such, he wanted badly to be present when Christ came back. Paul is basically saying that if The Lord comes back today (meaning back then), that those believers who had died would be raised first, then those still alive. Thanks for listening.

Mike, Jacksonville, USA

If she wants to remain a virgin then I suggest she keeps her hand on her tuppence rather than cover it with rings

James, Reading,

I'm an atheist myself. I'm also a Libertarian. I'm not threatened by a little girl's ring which is part religious and part declaration of lifestyle choice. I'm threatened by heavy handed civil servants engaging in thinly diguised attempts at thought control.

Has the UK lost its collective mind? Don't you have more important things to do in school that worry over a thin band of metal around a young woman's finger?

Ban all religious objects? Are you insane? Do you not realize religions thrive under persecution? Do you not realize that hatred for all things religious is fueling the zealots around the world? Your pretense at respect for Islam doesn't fool even the most gulible observer. You're crusades against religion fuels Islamists more than anything else. Why does it matter to you the beliefs of other people?

Is your life so perfect that you now have the right to control others?

PSB, Saint Louis, USA/Missouri

No doubt she is legally aided so we are paying for this. Why do people think that a so called religious belief is a reason to not have to obey rules that apply to the rest of us?

Paul Turnbull, Alnmouth, Northumberland

Oh dear - another attention seeking child with a doting parent ready to waste a ton of scarce school resources on litigation.

why don't these conceited people go and do their thing in the private sector rather than mis-appropriate everyone else's hard earned tax revenue ???

Sean Shalor, Coventry UK, UK

Doubtless the school allows the wearing of other rings by students - if that is the case this would be a clear case of discriminatation against Christianity. I'm glad Lydia is standing up for her beliefs - St Paul said he was proud of the Gospel, and for good reason - God Himself coming to earth to die for the sins of the people. What is there to be ashamed about that?

Rob, London,

Once one particular group was allowed to bring a case then teh floodagtes open up for everyone else. Either everyone wears what they likes or it's all banned. I'm fed up with hearing about 'my human rights have been breached' over some trivial matter. It debases the concept of human rights.

carole, London, uk

A question no-one seems to have asked: why should it matter whether she wears a purity ring, or a plain silver ring, or no ring at all or the One Ring of Sauron?

How much of this is case is actually about religion-or the lack thereof- in schools and how much is about overpaid bureaucrats using mindless conformity and PC-ness as a substitute for actual teaching?

Michael, Pueblo, Colorado, US

I applaud Miss Lydia for her courage. It takes courage to stand up for Truth . And I am appalled at her teachers/school for making such objections - about a ring. How ridiculous can a school be???? It shows really how Great Britain has lost its Christian moorings. How very, very sad.

I. Porto
Chicago
And thanks, Times Online for allowing us this venue of expressing our thoughts and
consiences. Where in England does that stand? I just wonder whether anything Christian brings such a horror in the educational sphere. I hope more CHristian teachers would enter the British public school profession.

I. Porto\, Chicago, IL, USA

Banning religious symbols, whether Christian, Jewish, Islamic, or any other, is the only way to go in order to stop this petty small-minded and costly kind of court case. This is costing tax-payers money, my money and your money to defend this, and for what? A small ring which is banned by school policy. When will these people learn to get a life and stop generating cheap media stunts. That also goes for the insane hibab case last year.

Martin, Berks, England

What a complete waste of time and money. Does it matter what you wear or what you think your image should be to others, is it not what is inside that counts? If you have to make your public image so very public, and waste tax payers money, you should first be considering whether your faith is strong enough in the first place. I wear a cross at work, and it doesn't cause a fuss, even with plenty of Muslims around. If it did, I am secure enough now to be able to take it off and still know what I believe, without having to declare it publicy.

This court case should be thrown out and a valuable lesson learned about what is important in matters of faith and morality. Which is the heart, not the image. I admire the girl for her moral stance, but she surely must realise that the Lord sees the heart, not the image outside of the heart, putting up icons like this is not what Christ taught us to do. They are unimportant when compared to our faith.

Jennifer Hynes, Plymouth, England

In a country where teenage pregnancy and abortion rates are sky rocketing, and the government is intent on giving free cervical cancer jabs to twelve year olds because they make the not unreasonable assumption that in today’s climate of moral relativism many of them will be having unprotected sex with several partners during their teens, shouldn’t we – and the school - be supportive of and encourage this girl’s stance, rather than trying to knock her down?

Ben, London, UK

Last week we were told we had the worst rates of STI's in Europe. At last here is something fresh that could actually work! I daresay those who want to 'ban' all religious clothes, jewellery etc at school would say they were also in favour of 'tolerance'. They seem to be promoting their own religion of secularism and will tolerate no dissenters. As for footing the bill I believe that freedom of expression is well worth paying for in our increasingly big brother society. I hope she wins for all our sakes. Go for it!

Steve Petch, Chichester, UK

How much more of this abuse of human rights luncacy must we be force fed? the girl has not been beaten, she has not been deprived of her liberty, she is not in fear of her safety - this is what human rights laws are for and they are a wonderful thing!

This waste of time and money makes a mockery of us all. It's a school, it has rules - abide by them or leave!

Victoria, manchester,

Dear John Near San Francisco (and others who don't seem to have caught on to this one): she's allowed to wear a cross, you know. It has nothing to do with anti-Christianity. She is allowed to wear a symbol of Christianity, just not a little trinket she wears because she's a member of a certain club.

That said, I think all these restrictions, plus uniforms, are a load of twaddle, but there you go.

starling, Lancaster,

Time to take the crosses out of the British flag!!

DavidintheUK, London, UK

To Rev Sam: The phrasology of verse 4 here can be interpreted to mean, "learn to live with his own wife," or "learn to acquire a wife." That is what is awesome about the ancient Greek, and God's choosing of words. Here we get the clear, straightforward meaning as the following: live with your own wife/do not commit adultery, and acquire your own wife/no sex until married. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that this is quite straightforward and that maybe we all could learn a lesson about how to read our Bibles with the original definitions of words/phrases handy, and in the context of the time and place and audience.

Mike, Jacksonville, USA

It doesn't matter if it is a ring or a crucifix. It is a matter of beleif and the school should stay out of it!This whole argument makes as much sense as taking the pledge of allegiance out of schools because of the reference to god!

charles, alma, arkansas

She should have the right to wear any ring.
Staying chaste until marriage is the only moral
thing to do. Those who commit sex before marriage
are fornicators and sinners before a Holy God.

Rev Don Spitz, Chesapeake, Virginia

It is difficult not to laugh at you Brits and your need to nitpick every facet of your rapidly eroding freedoms. Your surrendering to every politically correct thought of every even slightly aggrieved person is somewhat like the passengers on the sinking Titanic arguing about the placement of deck chairs and who should get seated down front.
We here in the states are unfortunately following close behind and it is not a laughing matter.

Mike Casper, Tucson, Az. USA

The school can ban rings on health and safety grounds Miss Playfoot would not have any grounds for complaint as the school would be exercising a duty of care

Bob Eadie, Ivybridge, Devon

Article 9 is about the freedom to manifest religion and beliefs in private and public. It's necessarily quite vague and encompassing so that it requires interpretation for specific times and places.

If this gives a Sikh student the right to wear religious headgear and bangles and this Christian student wants to wear symbols of her ethical beliefs about chastity under the same right then students with ethical beliefs about, say, abortion or capital punishment should be covered by the same right to wear symbols or badges about those beliefs too.

Allowing this right to completely trump the right of schools and workplaces to define dress and conduct regulations for students or workers seems like an overkill to me. However, to limit the right equitably requires some clear principles to be defined, such as identifying what is necessary to manifest religion or beliefs while in these public spaces and what is optional.

DJ, Loughborough, UK

Miss Lydia,

Your school seems reluctant to admit when a Christian has them "by the tail" so to speak and I commend you for your faith and good principles in deciding to persue your God-given rights and address the matter of the school ban publicly.

Oddly, I have never heard of such a ban, even here in the U.S. where freedom of religion is constitutional. Perhaps the school, in trying to get you to remove your ring, is not emphasizing religious fairness but anti-Christian attitudes that are possibly based on the loose morality of today's modern societies, or, more disappointingly, a failed need to be accepted by people's "rules" in the world instead of God's way. May God always bless you and congratulations, again.

John, Near San Francisco, USA/California

You go girl, In other religions you would have been FORCED to stay virgin but because you live in an ALMOST free society,,,for now,,, you have the right to decide. Charish that right and never let it go.
Others will laugh and maybe ever threaten you but your faith is what is important, it is the only thing that sepperate us from the Animals,,,and that include the ones that laugh at you.
I will remember you in my prayers and wish you all you ever want that is good and pure.

Herman, Seguin, Texas, USA

for gods sake dump religion of all faiths out of schools, its crazy what is going on, what to wear, what not to wear, chastity rings! are chastity belts allowed because they're not visible? if sex is a problem then teach it and do exams like any other subject. some chance, that really would be a headline stopper and a problem for accessory sales.
Prespeat.

peat, chelmsford, sunny essex

I see the school's input wasn't required for this report.

I understand the Playfoots received a large donation towards the legal costs of this time-wasting exercise.

A mother in the same town cannot get the local authority to agree to place her child, who has FOUR different behavioural difficulties, with either of the special schools who have offered a place, insisting that the current mainstream school can meet his needs - even though said school has stated that it can't. The child get such severe attacks of Tourette's syndrome from anxienty about attending the school as to be subject to collapse at the thought of going there.

She cannot even get legal aid to sue the local authority. Also, our beloved MP was contacted but decided the case was too complicated for him.

Just shows that if you put a loud, strident religious spin on it, you'll find fellow fanatics to help. Have a real issue and you're on your own

Jeremy Broadribb, Horsham, UK

Left -wing Fundamental Atheists* are at it again, trying to stomp out anything dealing with Christianity from the public arena. Soon, they will demand that military chaplains removed any religious symbol from their uniform, that the monarch renouce the title "Defender of the Faith", that the teaching of history omit anything dealing with the Crusaders, that the Promissory Oaths Act 1868 be repealed because it requires the phrase "So help me God", ad infinitum ad nauseum.

*If there can be Right-wing Fundamentralist Christians, surely the folks can be called Left-wing Fundamentalist Athiests.

Bob Evans, Anaheim, California

Doubtless the school allows the wearing of rings by other students - if that is the case this is a clear case of discrimination against Christianity. I'm glad Lydia is standing up for her beliefs. St Paul said he was proud of the Gospel - and for good reason - God Himself coming to earth to die for the sins of the people. What is there to be ashamed of about that?

Rob, London,

good on her, in this day and age where the goverment is pc to our ethnic friends, it is time that equality was shown to all, not just the chosen few.
just imagine the out cry if this was muslim faith symbol.

tony , warrington, cheshire

Ban all religious items and be done with it..

The poor child has been brainwashed by the bible people who use it to trap people and control them like it has done for thousands of years.

Would someone enlighten the girl as to the true meaning of a ring- nothing to do with virginity or marriage either.

Can I come to court then and do the truth bit for free and save the tax payer all this money.

the church should have to pay- but again the lawyers from both sides will fill their pockets while laughing at the ignorance of this young woman.

Portia, Manchester, uk

Hey Lydia, you are a woman for such a time as this! When will this government see that encouraging our young people to make healthy and educated lifestyle choices is something to be encouraged and applauded?!?! If only more young people recognised the value of sexual integrity we would not be a nation leading the way in the statistics with high rates of teen pregnancies and STI 's and we would not be watching women (and men!) suffer the grief that promiscuity so often brings later in life!

Jo, Chichester, UK

I think that banning the "silver ring thing" is very wrong..How can a ring go against the school clothing policy?? Its not a piece of clothing..Its a ring..A very small metal object..With a bliblical inscription on it..If they do ban it, than I think ANY thing that has something to do with any religion should be banned.. Regardless of which religion it is..Unless this school policy is NO Jewellery is to be worn..If not, than I think this school is against being a Christian..These children have taken a vow to remain pure until marriage..Does this school have a problem with this?

Diana, Kingstree, USA/SC

So a Silver Ring Thing is a sign of purity, do we really need another piece of religious jewellery to demonstrate belief? Every religion is obsesses with icons, symbols and any other ‘marker’, which sets it aside from the rest. And just when you though it was safe to go out, a 'subset' of a religious belief system come out with something else. Why not just read your bible, wear your crucifix and abstain from sex? Is that too much to ask?
Makes you wonder whether this is really about 'Human Rights' or yet another attempt to stir up friction between the faiths, a very common theme since 9/11.
To quote Miss Playfoot "The idea is a bit American....."

I couldn't agree more

Victor, London,

I suspect this is evangelical Christianity asserting itself again under a perceived threat from Islam and secularism in the UK.

I doubt Article 9 was ever intended to be used like this. It's to stop religious persecution by the state, not to create a soapbox for the religious to indulge in politics.

DJ, Loughborough, UK

Well done to her! We need more people like that - prepared to stand up for the truth in a society petrified of any sort of challenge to its 'values'.

Katy, London,

I can't see her winning this in court - it's very hard to argue that wearing a ring is an essential part of the Christian religion when the Silver Ring Thing is such a recent phenomenon and not part of the mainstream Church.

Anthony Charlton, Swindon,

LOL - This is really dumb! How is a ring a religious symbol? Silver Ring Thing publicity stunt more like it! This is a waste of tax payers money ....

Going to court over a child wanting to wear a ring? What has this world come to...

Religious symbol? LOL!

Ethan, London, London

In a world today where religion as a whole is under the microscope. There is a tendency to overlook the important aspects of what Society has lost of the last 20-30 years, respect for others and their beliefs.
Those like those of Islam and other religions where clothing that are an outward expression of an inward change.. In world of Political correctness gone mad. Where has common decency gone...
As a committed Christian my self. I do not where the crucifix but i do know of the importance of the that of my faith, and what my actions show to others as a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ. This ring is an out ward change that means she is going what is right to protect what she holds true to in her life and that of her family. The school is out of order. The girl is being made a scapegoat for in the face of challenging time when religion is facing a minority in society today. The Girl does right for standing her ground. It is a UN human right to not be persecuted for our beliefs.

John Milnes, Wakefield, UK

Wow, seeing all these comments from so many UK people so adamantly against this girl wearing this ring makes me darn proud to live in the USA.

Brad, Chicago, USA

What a waste of public money - just to preserve the egos of some bossy and stupid teachers.

Go for it, Lydia !

Peter, Beds,

It is about time someone stood up for christian principals in this a so called christian country. We allow other religions expression of their faith, so why not ours. Good for her and I hope the school gets hauled over the coals for their pathetic stand

John Davies, Barry, S Wales

Lydia has no need to exhibit her chastity in school, where it will not be threatened. The proper time to wear it is outside of school hours. School is about learning, not about making personal statements, which are merely distractions.

Andrew Churchley (Dr), Warrington, UK

Headscarves are not an essential part of the muslim faith. They are optional, If this is the school's arguement then it is incorrect. If mislim pupils can choose to wear rhe headscarf in school, then this girl must be allowed to wear representation of her faith.

sharon knight, london, uk

i imagine the court will tell the school not to be so silly

peter codner, devizes, england

I'm Christian, but you wouldn't be able to tell by looking at me - surely the whole point of a belief is that is is internal?
I support the French system of non-faith schools being completely secular - no symbols of faith at all.

More specifically on the case in the article, studies in the USA show that teenagers who make the pledge are much MORE likely to end up with STDs etc, as they don't listen to any contraceptive or sexual health advice, believing it does not apply to them.

Hannah Rawlings-Smith, London, UK

It's not possible to guarantee personal freedom and privacy without also guaranteeing religious freedom, because they are all pillars of the same building. Her rights are your rights.

British Expat, Istanbul ,

a line should be drawn its legal aid being misused if people feel so strong leave the school go elseware or get there parent s to pay legal cost in this country its a free for all with public money used to defend stupid cases at court

e v jackson, kettering, northants

The silver ring thing, in promoting abstinence, poorly equips teenagers to deal with life. Not only are virginity pledges often broken before marriage, but there is a lower use of contraception when this does occur due to lack of education. Furthermore, studies have shown pledged teenagers are more likely to try other sexual activities that may still carry the risk of STDs but do not technically count as losing your virginity.
If Miss Playfoot gets the right to wear her ring, I hope she would support my right to wear a pro-contraception & sex education ring. Maybe in gold?

Philippa, Guildford,

There's a prohibition against jewellery at the school? Do the teachers pocket their wedding bands at the door each day?

Lydia takes her school to court to protect what she (and her, I guess, well-trained lawyers) believes is her legal right. Is _she_ wasting the court's time - or is the school? It takes two to tango. (And is it ever a waste or time to thrash out a constitutional or human right?)

Blake, Ludlow, UK

Call me a cynic, but it seems she is trying to promote her parents business which produces and sells these rings.

Rob, Birmingham, UK

"The headscarf is not an 'intregal part of the Muslim faith'. My friend is a muslim and she refuses to wear a headscarf because she says it is a cultural thing, not religious"

Your friend doesn't know much about Islam then.

Lets be objective here- the school is allowing 'necessary faith items' - ie headscarf, sikh turban, jewish skull, christian cross. The 'silver ring thing' is just a little cult thing started by some bored teenagers- its not really an internationally recognised Christian custom so the school is within their right to ban it.

However, I am for pupils to be allowed to wear necessary items- whatever religion that might be.

Sam, manchester,

Absolutely old chap! I agree with Michael Randles, its a load of old codge...wasting tax payers money on whinging kids again! BAN THE LOT FROM SCHOOLS!!!

Gerald, Oxford,

As a Sikh, I'm allowed to wear my religious symbols. Muslims are also allowed to wear theirs. Why should Christians be discriminated against. I fully support Lydia!

H Singh, Hertfordshire,

Since when has a silver ring had anything to do with the christian faith? Now if it was a cross or cruifix I then fair enough but its a ring that 99.99% of christians wouldnt recognise.

Andrew, Warrington, Cheshire

Anne of Herts: What law prohibits wearing a ring?
What is at question is a uniform / dress policy which is applied unequally to discriminate against a group of people.
Rick of Slough: You can respect a person without agreeing with their views. In this case the view is chastity - what's not to respect with that?
Our society allows Muslims to cover their faces in public. Why all the fuss about an unobtrusive ring? Could it be anti-Christian??

Adam Bradford, London,

They obviously have the extended version of 1 Thes as mine only goes up to 1 Thes 5 (and there is no 1 Thes 4.34). Looking back, my favourite quotation from that letter is the one implying that Paul thinks he will be alive at the time of the second coming:

"THOSE who have died believing in Christ will rise to life first; then WE who are living at the time will be gathered up along with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thes 4.16-17, my emphasis)

Whoops. One of the many reasons found in scripture why the young and impressionable should read the thing in full before deciding that the bible is the Word of God and worth giving up their lives and sexuality for.

Chris Jackson, London,

What a shame that the High Court's time should be wasted by a cases like these....
If a school rule states no jewellery, then do not wear jewellery in school.
If you do not want to have sex before you are married then just don't.

Caroline, London,

Ms Playfoot says that she thinks something like this is quite important and should be taken hold of. By implication the school does not.

What comes over here as important is Ms Playfoot, who is making an early start to lecturing publicly on the threats posed by secularism in places such as the school that has educated her. How depressing.

David, Oxford,

Ms Playfoot is the innocent vioctim of a mis-quoted passage. The passage talks of avoiding sexual immorality - not abstention.

Get a life and study your faith properly you silly girl. There is no passage anywhere or tenet of faith that encourages you to wear this ring. If you want to represent the Christian body then wear a cross like most normal people.

Oh, no doubt this makes me a false profit or one of the devil's own because I fail to agree with a cultish ideal.

Rev Sam, Dunfermline, Scotland

Yeah right. Let's see what happens when she goes to University.

Paul, Oxford,

Although not religious myself I commend the young lady on her stand for medical reasons alone. The last study I read on STDs, especially HIV/AIDS indicated that the fastest growing spectrum was women between the ages of 14 and 40. That may have changed since then and please correct me if I'm wrong.
On the other hand it does appear that many special interest groups do get special privilleges, such as prayer rooms, and the allowance of turbans for example. I know that many Christian groups are not allowed to pray on school campuses let alone proselytize.
Perhaps it is time to make no exceptions for anyone. Multiculturialism has its place like anything else, but there should be one rule for all.

Michael Kirkby, Toronto, ON, Canada

It's not hurting anyone else, and it's not as obvious and in your face as head scarves and all that other paraphernalia, so why don't they just let it be rather than going to court with this girl? Geez, get your priorities straight...

C, UK,

I think Lydia is right. More and more people are trying to phase out christianity in our everyday places. How come they don't have more to say about other religions. They let the other faiths go about their business and try more not to hurt their feelings and try more and more to step on our "chrisitan" laws and faiths. What a crock of ___.

Get some guts and stand up for christians for once instead of helping everyone else who doesn't believe.

We need more Lydias way of thinking then maybe we would have less and less unwanted children etc..

Michelle H., Joppa, USA/Maryland

In all honesty what effect on a pupils scholastic performance or a schools academic record and a tiny little ring have.Who ever has made this decison has more interest in the control rather than the performance of their pupils.If a young lady wishes to express her chrisian purity
with a subtle piece of jewellry where is the problem?.On the grand scale of things there are pupils turning up to school with tatoos ,dyed hair and often in possesion of drugs so please to staff of Millais school get a life and concentrate on the real issues that are vital to a childs education.

Andrew Cornell, bromley, kent

Yet again another example of one rule for one and one for another. We had it first with BA and now schools. It seems that you can be anything you want so long as it is not Christian. I am sick and tired of people telling me to respect their beliefs when what they really want me to do is agree with something I am fundamentally oppossed to. They then have the audacity not to respect mine and others of a similiar persuassion.

Chris, Cornwall, UK

Obviously this whole situation is too ridiculous for words, so I won't bother taking sides. However, in the interests of applying the rules equally to all, there would seem to be a case for some cultural education for the teachers who enforce those rules. Ms Playfoot's ring is banned because it "is not an integral part of the Christian faith", yet Muslims and Sikhs get to keep their "bangles". Of course turbans and headscarves are legitimate, but I’d be interested to see evidence that Prophet Muhammad or Guru Gobind Singh commanded their respective followers to wear bangles to school. I had school friends from a number of faiths who used to invent all sorts of spurious rules to excuse their facial hair and jewellery. Teachers would never risk exposing their ignorance by challenging these claims, and hence, school uniform rules ended up only applying to Christians and atheists. Hardly seems fair.

Johnny, London,

Ridiculous girls !!!
They live in the past!

Pier, Italy,

The girl will win this case, as she is a Christian and therefore not a threat to the country. Lets just get back to basics and avoid the obvious nature of this country. It will treat its own religion with favour over other religions.

AK, London, UK

Didn't Christ say, 'When you fast put oil on your face so you look healthy and people aren't aware that you are fasting. Otherwise you will have had your reward. Dont be like those hypocrites who wear the garb of priests so that people are aware of their piety.'
Whatever Christianity is about its definitely not about creating petty conflicts so that everyone knows how holy you are. Grow up.

neil bradley, liverpool, UK

Another example of having a go at Christians in this Country.If Muslims can wear Headscarves and other religions can wear like Bangles and other Jewwllery what is wrong with a Ring,Come on let's have fair play here or does that only apply if your not a Christian.

T.Mac, St.Helens, England

Quote: "The school denies her claims, arguing that the purity ring is not an integral part of the Christian faith, and contravenes its uniform policy."

Wasting public money on nonsense is not an integral part of the education process, and contravenes all accountable public-spending policies.

Now this is in the media, I can picture all the school's heads / governers / beaurocrats will now be conducting lengthy meetings discussing this 'important' issue. Not to mention representation in High Court.

I shudder to think where the money will come from to pay for this ego trip. Heres an idea.... perhaps the school can take it out of the funds that were meant to be spent on education? welldone... good job everyone

Ian, Manchester, UK

If God wanted you to have a ring he would have given you it.
Whether your Christian Jew Muslim Hindu or anything all these things are of worldly value.
It's what you do believe and not how you look what your outside apparral is that matters.

Stop using Religion for doing what you want and disobeying the laws your under.

Anne, Royston, Herts

This seems to be the normal, one rule for one group and another rule for another group. The school is WRONG!! This is discrimination! Good luck to the lady for standing up for her rights!!

ian, truro, cornwall

Brian Duncan, do you have no concern or respect whatever for freedom?

John, Edinburgh, Scotland

Young people everywhere listen to what Lydia and others like her are saying through this. The ring is not the issue. The issue is what it stands for.

Clifford Denton, Norwich, England

Why oh why do we allow silly little girls to waste everybody's time? And a lot of money to boot

Michael Randles, Birmingham, IK

This is one instance where the French have got it right. Ban all wearing of religious symbols in our schools and focus on educating our children and not indoctrinating them into a society that emphaises differences based on religious beliefs!
It is ridiculous to allow other faiths to express their beliefs and to quibble at the margins over pathetically tiny Christian symbols. The short anwser is to make schools a place for education, not religion. Enable the next generation to understand different cultures and beliefs, do not promote an environment that promotes severance between cultures by allowing religion to be practiced.
My time at secondary school was spent with children from a variety of religious backrounds and was fundamental to my understanding of those religions and in developing my well rounded and accepting views on the role that religion has to play in today's society. It was not spent listening to the views of those who feel the need to argue over the minutiae

MG, London, UK

Until the powers that be intervene in this ludicrous state
of affairs, situations similar to this will escalate.

One isue is very, very clear, and that is the Muslim faith
needs to update itself and extricate itself from the mire it is now experiencing. Will this happen? You can bet it don't!!

Marserobert, Nottingham, ENGLAND

In this age where there is a high incidence of teenage pregnancies in the UK, its very very unfortunate that a young girl who has made the commitment to keep away from sex till she is married finds that she is on a collision course with her school. This girl should be applauded, rather than discriminated against for her beliefs. its hard to understand the school's reasoning as other pupil of other faiths are allowed to wear items of clothing which are much more visible. There are anti-christian "forces" ganging up in all aspects of the establishment to perevert the human rights of Christians in this country.

Jonathan Quartey, Watford, UK

This looks like it's going to be an ongoing problem with religions and cultures in the public sphere.

Article 9 of the ECHR does not define an absolute right; it must be weighed against the rights and freedoms of others.

The High Court needs to start setting clear precedents for resolving these types of issues in workplaces and schools.

DJ, Loughborough, UK

I agree with Brian. Ban the lot - there's no need to 'express religious beliefs' at school!

Alex McGregor, Plymouth, UK

Phil Playfoot, the girl's father, says that "Christians should be respected for their views and beliefs."

No they should not!

The right of any person to hold any belief they choose should be respected, but not necessarily the belief itself.

Believing in nonsense does not earn respect.

Rick, Slough,

"The headscarf is not an 'intregal part of the Muslim faith'. My friend is a muslim and she refuses to wear a headscarf because she says it is a cultural thing, not religious"

I am afraid your freind does not seem to possess much knowledge of the Muslim faith...

MM, London,

Perhaps what the PC Brigade hate so much about this is that this girl has standards and is living by them as opposed to having double standards and thrusting them down everyone else's throats.
Good on you.

roger kingston, york,

The headscarf is not an 'intregal part of the Muslim faith'. My friend is a muslim and she refuses to wear a headscarf because she says it is a cultural thing, not religious.

e, london,

Ban all wearing of religous clothing,jewellery and perhaps
then we will have an end to the tax payer having to foot
the bill for these ridiculous cases.

brian duncan, Scotland, united kingdom

Go Girl!!

Brent van der Linde, Belfast, UK