On the eve of the World Cup final I witnessed an incident that struck me – a Christian and non-Jordanian Jordanian (my mother can’t pass on her citizenship to me) living in a decidedly Muslim country – as particularly odd and humbling.

I went with a group of friends to a local pub in Amman to watch the game. I received an odd call, asking if a friend could join. “Of course” I said yes, no problem. He then said, but she’s covered, will they let her in? I responded, I’ve never heard of a covered woman being NOT being allowed in.

But that night, an argument ensued. The woman arrived and was promptly told she could not come in. Luckily, a strong-willed friend and a firecracker all the same, fought with them until they relented.
I was surprised when the woman mentioned it wasn’t her first time being sent away, and that previous establishment were unrelenting in denying her entry.

My question to you, is it ethical to deny someone the right to enter a local establishment simply because they are covered? Is it legal? (Officially, there is nothing on the books) Should it be illegal? Does the woman have a right to enter, or does the establishment retain the right to serve the customers of their choosing?

Why would a religious woman choose to visit a pub that serves alcohol? Or, to flip the argument, why shouldn’t she be able to decide for herself?

Go ahead, have your say.