Islamic women's headdress scares kids and could be used to hide weapons, although nuns would never hide a shotgun under their habit, says a Brisbane shock jock.
A radio announcer on Thursday stood by his call for Islamic burqas to be banned in Australia.
Michael Smith, 4BC's drive presenter, on Wednesday said wearing a burqa posed a security risk because it also obscured the face, making identification difficult when a crime had been committed.
Wearing a burqa in certain places, such as shopping centres, was also offensive and scared little children, he said.
"Kids cry and get the fright of their lives with Santa Claus so you can imagine what it's like to see this just black, not really human shape, just this full-on black covering with a slit at the eyes," he told reporters in his Brisbane studio on Thursday.
"... There are places where it causes such a shock that a reasonable person would be entitled to feel offence."
Mr Smith suggested fines for women wearing burqas in certain places but said it would be easier if they were banned altogether in public.
He said burqas could hide the identity of anyone committing a criminal act, despite no known cases of criminals wearing them in Australia.
However, he said nuns' habits should not be banned from being worn in banks, despite the fact a gun could easily be hidden in the loose clothing.
"When you see a cherry-cheeked nun coming towards you the last thing I'd be imagining is she had a 'shotty' under the habit," he said.
"... Armed robberies are real, attacks are real and people hiding their face facilitates (this)."
The station is backing Mr Smith and says it has had no formal complaints from listeners.
There has been a mixed reaction to his comments.
Islamic Council of Queensland president Suliman Sabdia said he was disappointed by Mr Smith's remarks.
"He has every right to say it but we do say he displays intolerance, and a complete lack of understanding of the Muslim code of conduct," he said.
Retailers Association executive director Scott Driscoll said it had been a long accepted practice to require customers to remove helmets and other identity-obscuring headwear when entering a shop or bank.
"Retailers should not have to fear any form of retribution or backlash for requiring the removal of any obscuring headwear, including hijabs (which leave the face exposed), as a condition of entry," Mr Driscoll said.
"This is about ensuring a more safe and secure retail environment for all and being able to readily identify any and all perpetrators of armed hold-ups or shop theft."
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