Originally Posted by jibber

Um, the idea that they are forced to wear that is not insane, it's a fact. In some countries in the middle east, it is against the law for a woman to be seen outside her own home without being covered properly. Aside from that, in these same countries, women aren't allowed to drive, leave the country without their husband's (or father's) permission, and a whole long list of other things that men are free to do without hassle. So no, in some countries, it's not only a matter of personal preference.