Let the debate begin.

As the Air India inquiry throws up interesting bits of who knew what when but did not do anything, a Transport Canada official called to testify said that Canadians should get ready for full body scans at airports.

Jean Barrette told the inquiry, when the line of questioning turned to improved security measures since Canada’s worst terrorist attack, that a pilot project will soon be underway using “millimetre-wavelength technology”.

The technology, according to local media reports, allows for a computer image of a person to be generated as they enter a chamber to be scanned, revealing hidden weapons or objects that could pose a threat to a plane or its passengers.

Barrette said the millimetre-wavelength machine shows an image of the person being scanned. The image will be stored for a period of time yet to be determined.

Ultimately you will have to consent to be subjected to this machine.

But if you do not consent, you do not fly.

Barrette admitted that this machine will cause consternation to some.

“One of the key priorities is also taking into consideration privacy issues,” he told the inquiry.

Well Mr. Barette, in case you are reading this, we suggest you have a talk with some of our Muslim brothers in Canada.

We did not have to go far to get some nasty reaction to this body-scan machine, which is yet another post 9/11 nuisance.

“Have they talked to any Muslims or Islamic associations regarding this machine and how it could potentially violate our women,” questioned a B.C.-based Muslim leader, who asked not to be named, fearing he will get on a no-fly list.

“I  am not saying this is a bad thing...I would like to know what this means in the context of our religion,” he said. Modesty and chastity are important ideologies with  Islam that are achieved by prescribing standards on behavior and the dress of a Muslim.

A  woman who adheres to the tenets of Islam is required to follow the dress code called Hijab.

It is an act of faith and establishes a Muslim’s life with honor, respect and dignity.

To Muslim women who adhere to the code of Hijab, the criteria is as follows;

- The complete body except the face and the hands up to the wrist, should be covered;

-The clothes worn should be loose and should not reveal the figure. 

- The clothes worn should not be transparent such that one can see through them. 

- The clothes worn should not be so glamorous as to attract the opposite sex. 

- The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex.

- The clothes worn should not resemble that of the unbelievers i.e. they should not wear clothes that are specifically identities or symbols of the unbelievers’ religion.

In Europe and the U.S., the tenets of Islam have already clashed with security arrangements at airports.

It is bound to happen here with the body scan machines.

“I believe that this machine violates Hijab as no one except a woman’s husband should be able to see what’s beneath his wives’ clothes,” said the Muslim leader.

While, most of us likely won’t have a problem with the body scan other than some questions about the dose of radiation, Transport Canada will be well advised to get some feedback from Canada’s Islamic leaders.

It should also make that feedback public.

This is an extremely sensitive issue with Muslims, especially those who subscribe to the religion’s dress code.

It is also an issue that is open to manipulation by Islamist extremists.

Especially by those who want to piggy-back on the body-scan machines to equate security with discrimination.