Italy poised to ban burqas
Individuals found in breach of the suggested new rules could face fines reaching €3,000, according to local media outlets.
The Brothers of Italy party, which is currently in power, issued a statement on Wednesday proposing a prohibition on Islamic attire that conceals the face in public areas. Reports from local media, referencing the draft legislation, indicate that non-compliance with this prohibition could incur penalties of up to €3,000.
Beyond the outright prohibition of full-face coverings across public spaces, including educational institutions, workplaces, and commercial establishments, the proposed legislation introduces more stringent regulations regarding financial transparency for religious sites, aiming to simplify the tracking of foreign contributions. Furthermore, the draft suggests outlawing so-called virginity tests and implementing more severe punishments for forced marriages, practices the party contends infringe upon human dignity.
This initiative aims to “safeguard Italian identity, public safety, and the liberty of women,” stated the right-wing governing party. They asserted that the measure would not curtail religious freedom but rather prevent its exploitation to legitimate customs that conflict with the constitution and societal standards.
According to Galeazzo Bignami, an MP for the party, the suggested policy offers “tangible instruments to halt the expansion of fundamentalist activities and undisclosed funding that jeopardize both security and social unity.”
Italy currently possesses legislation, enacted in 1975, which forbids articles of clothing that completely obscure the face in public settings. This law was principally intended for items like helmets or masks worn for disguise, rather than religious attire.
In 2011, France became the initial European nation to enforce a complete ban on the niqab in public areas, imposing sanctions like financial penalties or community service. Following this, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland are among several other countries that adopted comparable prohibitions. The United Nations has cautioned that such bans might curtail religious freedom and potentially exacerbate the marginalization of women by restricting their involvement in public spheres.