Religion: Pope objects to full body scans at airport security. In an unexpected move Pope Benedict has come out in opposition to full body scans at airport security check points claiming they violate "personal integrity".
The Pope made the remarks at a meeting in the Vatican this weekend, where he told an audience from the aerospace industry that "the primary asset to be safeguarded and treasured is the person, in his or her integrity".
The Pope acknowledged that his statement is problematic for the airline industry and "might seem particularly complex and difficult in the present context" given "the economic crisis, which is bringing about problematic effects in the civil aviation sector, and the threat of international terrorism, which is targeting airports and aircraft".
Nevertheless, the Pope was resolute in his claim: "It is essential never to lose sight of respect for the primacy of the person."
Recently Muslim leaders and Islamic scholars issued a "fatwa" this week forbidding Muslims to go through full body scanners at airports because it violates Islamic rules on modesty.
Here in Portland, Oregon, Portland International Airport (pdx) currently does not have full body scan technology in place. When the TSA was contacted at pdx they were uncertain when the airport would have access to the technology.
Do we really want religious leaders dictating security policy at airports? Or do the Pope and the Islamic scholars raise an important point about civil liberties? What do you think?
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