As you may know there is a serious consultation, albeit poorly advertised, by the Department for Transport which is going on for some time.

As you may know by now aware that the government is experimenting and planning to introduce body scanners in the UK airports as a ‘security measure’. These were introduced as the result of the Christmas Day bomber's failed attempt to explode an aircraft over Detroit with a bomb hidden in his underwear.

Needless to say this has created huge anxiety among not only Muslims but also in the wider society, particularly among faith communities.

These scanners are large machines that will go alongside the metal-detectors and baggage x-ray machines at the security point on your way into the departure lounge, and they do pretty much what you think they do: They scan your entire person for concealed weapons, bomb-making material, and, as a bonus, for stuff like bags of marijuana stuffed into trousers. They use various technologies, and as a front-line defense they'll be extremely useful. But, if you think about it, they'll have to be human-operated, and they effectively let the operator see you--or your wife, or your teenage daughter naked.

I am sure you will agree with the fact that when it comes to safety and security Muslims are at the forefront of protecting human life. We fully support necessary measures which enhance the safety and protection of all passengers. But is the body scanner that exposes the inner part of human body the best answer? All religions teach us to show dignity of human beings and their bodies.
The deadline for this public consultation is June 21st 2010. So, please urge all members in the community to air their concern, whilst an opportunity is available to us.

Please find a sample letter which the public can use as a template to send to the address listed below.

Individuals are urged to take one of the following actions before the deadline on the 21st of June 2010:

• Write a short letter detailing your opposition to the body scanners at airports, stating that they violate the basic human need of privacy of the body. Send the letter to the public consultation, address: Mike Alcock, Department for Transport, Zone 5/12,Southside,Victoria St, London, SW1E 6DT
• Send an email to Mike Alcock to air your disapproval of such scanners, the email address to send to is: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dear Mr Alcock,

My name and address is

I am writing to you to express my concern over the nude body airport scanners. I disapprove of, and oppose, such scanners on the grounds of violation of privacy and human dignity. After considering the numerous reports which explain the functionality of these scanners, they are a clear demonstration of immorality and infringe upon the personal rights of passengers.

Britain has always been a country which has protected human rights, and I value my right not to be physically exposed to others, whether in front of a male security officer or a female one. How can the trivialization and legal enforcement of nudity, along with the infringement of people’s rights, be justified by the unsubstantiated pretext that it will make us all be safer. It goes against any impression of a civilized society to force such exposure on its citizens.

I fully support necessary measures which enhance the safety and protection of all passengers. I am, however, concerned about the use of the intrusive body scanners for this purpose. The citizens of this country, as educated and cultured people, should not be put in a position where we have to choose between our security and our dignity. It is totally unnecessary, especially given that other technologies exist which are proven to detect the presence of questionable materials without infringing upon the modesty of passengers and humiliating them.

I would appreciate the option of a pat-down search (when needed) for those passengers whose modesty and dignity prevents them from being subjected to a naked body scan. This alternative has already been implemented in the United States of America.

Yours sincerely,