Lisaz, thank you for your questions. I will do my best to answer them objectively.

lisaz:

First, has the headscarf ban discouraged any Muslim women from attending classes in Turkey, since they would be unable to do so while veiled?

Yes, those who can afford educations abroad have taken that opportunity, studying in US and European universities. Others have dropped out, or had to remove their scarves.

Statistically, a study by two Bogazici University proffesors suggests that 1% of women who choose not to attend university after high school do so because of the headscarf ban. Income, marriage, family and social pressures are all much more important factors.

lisaz:

I am assuming that you are not saying that wearing the headscarf would make her less willing to treat men, but if you are, please explain.

Sharia advocates sexual segregation, this applies to the medical proffesion as well. I am an apostate, so hardly the best person to talk about Islam, but my understanding is that most devout, veiled women will avoid physical contact with or even meeting the gaze of men. Though there are many veiled women working in private hospitals who do very good jobs, i dont think they represent the norm.

lisaz:

I guess what I'm asking is whether your believe the headscarf ban's purpose is to keep religion out of the public sphere (ie, encourage women not to veil themselves in public) or to keep religious people out of the public sphere (ie forbid veiled women from participating fully in society).

The former. Social and peer pressure strongly effect behaviour, by imposing a "secular" appearance as the norm (by baning the Fez, Hijab, and other religious dress), Ataturk's cultural revoltion aims to change society. Thats why lifting the ban is considered dangerous for those who have chosen not to veil, social pressure will enforce religious behaviour.

lisaz:

What do you mean by "Sharia wedge?" ...Do you see the lifting of a ban as a move toward requiring the headscarf of all women?I'm sorry if my questions are too simple. It seems that Sharia would require the headscarf, not just allow it.

Not a requirement, the fear is that peer pressure and social obligation will do the rest once bans have been lifted. There is desire amongst religious segments of society to have schoolgirls as young as 10-11 wear veils to school. This is currently prohibited. State and municipal employees are also prohibited from wearing scarves or any other religious attire at work.

lisaz:

How has the party indicated a leaning toward sexual segregation?

By using segregated seating arrangements at Party meetings and conventions. By canvasing in a segregated manner, i.e. women campaigners approaching married women at home.

I hope these answers help. Im not sure if China's various religious movements have political ambitions. The problem with Islam and Sharia is that for a true believer religion and government are one and the same.

Look forward to hearing from you again, regards