Netherlands Okays Limited Ban On Burqa, Niqab

On June 26, the Dutch Parliament approved a limited ban on "face-covering clothing" in public places. The ban includes Islamic veils and robes such as the burqa and niqab, but not the hijab, which covers only the hair.

The final approval came in a vote in the Parliament's upper chamber. Firebrand far-right politician Geert Wilders had pushed for the ban for over a decade and finally, it has been approved.

Wilders' Freedom Party referred this move as a major victory. Senator Marjolein Faber-Van de Klashorst too celebrated the move and called it "a historical day because this is the first step to de-Islamize the Netherlands"

Adding to it, he said, "This is the first step and the next step is to close all the mosques in the Netherlands."

Also: Danish Lawmakers Ban Burqa And Niqab In Public Places

The Dutch law does not go as far as more extensive bans in other neighbouring countries like France and Belgium. The ban applies on public transport and in educational institutions, health institutions such as hospitals, and government buildings.

The government has sought to ban niqabs, which cover most of the face and shows the eyes only. They have also banned burqas, which cover the face and body. Though, the studies reveal that only a few hundred women in the Netherlands wear the burqas. The ban also covers ski masks and full-face helmets

The government stated that people still have full freedom on how to dress, except in situations where it is necessary to have full facial contact. For instance, in education and health-related situations.

Also: Ban Burqa Wherever Legally Possible: Merkel

The ban does not apply to public streets. However, the police can ask an individual to remove face-covering clothing for identification purposes.

Annelies Moors, professor of Anthropology and Sociology at the University of Amsterdam, said, "This is actually virtually a complete ban because the only spaces that are still available for women (who wear face-covering clothing) are the street and the private sector."

Sharing views on the ban, the professor said, "And, of course, the private sector can also have their house rules, they could also possibly legislate against their presence. So this leaves women very little space."

Green Party senator Ruard Ganzevoort said the move is disproportionate and will affect women. More women will stay at home amidst this move. "They will not have an opportunity to go to school. They will not have an opportunity to go to learn to swim, and all those things."

Also Read: Austria Implements Burqa Ban

Deepali Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV