I agree with diamondgirl, most of the women I've known who wear hijab and niqab are very understanding and quite broad-minded when it comes to discussing issues. The women I've known have been very intelligent and quite capable of discussing and debating issues that don't even directly affect them.

Just because they choose to do some things (i.e. covering themselves) and perhaps choose not to do others (such as drinking or engaging in intimate relations), that doesn't mean they're not aware of the issues or even judgemental about people who don't live the same lifestyle.

Just because a woman chooses to wear hijab or abaya and cover her hair/body, that doesn't mean she covers her brain as well.