Giorgia Meloni’s party introduces bill to ban burqa, niqab in Italy’s public spaces
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party has introduced a bill seeking to ban the wearing of burqas and niqabs in public spaces, citing concerns over “Islamic separatism,” reports said.
The proposed legislation would prohibit the use of garments covering the face in all public places, including shops, schools and offices.
Violators could face fines ranging from 300 to 3,000 euros (approximately USD 350–3,500), according to local media reports.
Lawmaker Andrea Delmastro, one of the bill’s initiators, said on Facebook: “Religious freedom is sacred, but it must be exercised openly, in compliance with our Constitution and the principles of the Italian state.”
Sara Kelany, head of immigration for the Brothers of Italy, said during a press conference on Wednesday that the bill would also address the regulation of mosque funding and strengthen laws against forced marriages.
“It is a bill that will essentially deal with regulating the funding of mosques, and with preventing and banning the use of the full-face veil. It also emphasizes legislation against forced marriages. In Italy, we apply our laws based on a specific set of values,” Kelany said, as quoted by Politico.
The draft law reportedly includes stricter penalties for forced marriages and requires religious groups not formally recognized by the state to disclose any foreign funding sources.
France became the first country in the world to ban the wearing of full-face veils in public in 2011. Since then, several other nations have introduced similar restrictions on face coverings in public spaces.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
Following India's suit, Afghanistan builds dams on Kunar River; restricting Pakistan’s access to water
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has decided to build a series of dams across the Kunar River, a major tributary of the Indus, in a move seen as an attempt to restrict Pakistan’s access to water.
An inclusive election can only stabilise Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed
Bangladesh's ousted PM Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed believes that the country will remain politically unstable if the current interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus fails to hold an inclusive election.
Uzbekistan: Samarkand to host UNESCO General Assembly 2025 from October 30 to November 13
Uzbekistan's Samarkand will host the UNESCO General Assembly from October 30 to November 13.
Pakistan: Sick child dies during prolonged check by Pakistani forces
A child died in Balochistan's Uthal area after he failed to receive timely medical assistance during prolonged security checks by Pakistani forces, media reports said.
Latest News
'Raped me four times': Maharashtra doctor's chilling suicide note targets a cop who is at large; second accused arrested
Ex-Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Divya Suresh booked in Bengaluru hit-and-run case
Delhi: Two cousins burnt to death after Fortuner SUV catches fire post collision with truck
Centre earns ₹377 cr from scrap disposal, frees 130 lakh sq ft office space under cleanliness drive