The Government says there sometimes needs to be a compromise on religious freedoms, but two women passengers wearing burqas should not have been prevented from boarding buses in Auckland.
Ethnic Affairs Minister Hekia Parata has reacted to two separate incidents in May in which bus drivers refused to allow the women on board.
Ms Parata says although it is important to recognise how people from different religions reflect themselves, it is paramount that security risks should not be comprised.
The minister says she is comfortable with observing all the different kinds of dress people choose to wear.
