It seems we have our own religious police in the more backward communities in the US. Specifically, in Satmar Hasidic communities like Kiryas Joel NY, “vaad hatznius,” the rabbinically appointed "modesty committee" there keeps a look out for proper dress and demeanor. Of course they are not really in the same league as the Saudi or Iranian religious police, since they do not have enforcement mechanisms or the power of government to coerce. They can instigate ostracism for anyone who defies the social mores - and people belong to these communities voluntarily. Still, it is incredible that people in the USA allow themselves to be controlled and constricted in their lives in this way.
The existence of such communities is most disturbing in providing a precedent for crazier "communities" to come. How long before we have demands for Sharia Law in Brooklyn and points West?
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