I refer to HF's response, 'Understand our differences before criticising' (Nov 3) to my letter that appeared the day before that titled.

I can accept and understand another's religious practices. I can also respect them. Nevertheless, when such a religious practice transgresses on another's views, opinions, beliefs, perspectives and person, then would it not in the first instance be necessary for the former to apply the same principle and respect that other first? If it is not possible, then it would indeed be better that he or she refrains from carrying out that transgression of both their beliefs.

In this regard I must add that I have a lot more respect for all those Muslim men and women who gave up medicine or medical studies rather than to compromise their beliefs. But when you position yourself in a way that your actions will transgress upon another, then you should be prepared to be transgressed upon. This is what happened in the "tissue" incident.

Obviously HF will be correct in his attitude if he firmly believed that the religious beliefs of that woman were superior to whatever might be held by whoever she transgresses upon and the privileged position of her beliefs overrides whatever beliefs and rights the transgressed person might have. If this indeed is the position, then let it be declared and let us all put a stop to all the hypocrisy that is shoved on us through all the media, including malaysiakini.