I took a wee foray north again today, only to find that flying out of Edinburgh can be a challenging experience. Some passengers are ‘selected’ to undergo a full-body-scanner check – which except for exhibitionists (especially the extremely well-appointed) is surely a sufficient invasion of one’s privacy – followed by a ‘voluntary’ questionnaire seeking personal information including one’s religion. Unfortunately there seems some doubt whether the staff always get round to mentioning it’s voluntary.
But why the questions? Apparently they are to check that no particular group is being targetted for scanning. Like models of all sexes, West Indian rappers, berobed Arabs, behatted diamond dealers and bekilted reverends, I suppose. So the chances of ordinary blokes and their missuses being selected seem disproportionately high – to balance the books as it were.
My advice – fly from somewhere else.
http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-airport-security-ask-passengers-religion-1-2852219
Boadicea's Chariot 
I hope you refused point blank!
Cheeky sods.
Not an option here, everyone gets scanned, a glass box with two footprints to stand on (a bit like a Turkish kahzi in a way), hands above your head and gotcha. An option to do the same “in private” whatever that means, but no questions about religion or anything else. I would be strongly tempted to whisper “I worship the Peacock King” just to see if there was any reaction.
On consideration overnight I might have ventured, if in an exasperated mood.
” Do I look like I eat carpets?”
Answers on a postcard folks for the rudest answer possible NOT to be nicked for a ‘hate crime’
Christina, anything can be construed as a “hate crime” by the feeble-minded politically correct. Even giving your occupation as “carpet salesman” would probably do it.
Janus, use Glasgow next time . Remember “Glasgow’ Smiles Better”.