Leading article: Beauty contested

Saturday 03 September 2005 00:00 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

But what does Ms Mendly have to say for herself? "I wanted to show that there are attractive British Iraqi girls who are proud of being both British and Iraqi." And as for religious scruples: "We believe that Islam is between you and God." That's as good a justification for entering a beauty contest as any. And if some self-righteous moral guardians are offended, then they should just get over it.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Leading article: Beauty contested

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering