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Summary: The Dutch government is set to prohibit niqabs and burqas and other forms of clothing that cover the face.
[27 January 2012] - The cabinet is sticking to a general ban on wearing face-covering clothing in public. Criticism by the Council of State has been put aside. The proposal bans all forms of face-covering clothing, whether a baklava or a burka, in public places, in buildings open to the public, in educational institutions, healthcare institutions and on public transport. A fine of up to 390 euros applies to violations of the ban. "People must be able to look each other in the face and be recognisable to one another. The wearing of face-covering clothing does not fit in with the Netherlands' open society, in which participation in social traffic is actually crucial," the cabinet said Friday. The Council of State had expressed criticism of the proposal because it would infringe religious freedoms. But the cabinet says that the proposed bill is not in conflict with the European Treaty for Human Rights. But the "required wearing of a burka or niiqab in public is in conflict with the equality of men and women." The proposed bill is a heartfelt wish of the Party for Freedom (PVV). It is expected to be sent t the Lower House next week. The ban will not apply to face-covering necessary for health, safety or for the exercise of a profession or exercise of a sport. Excluded from the ban are also events like Santa Claus, carnival, Halloween or if a mayor has provided an exemption for a specific event. Nor does the ban apply to places and buildings that are used for religious purposes. The ban does not apply in airlines and to passengers who are travelling on via the Dutch airports to their final destination. Further Information:
pdf: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2012/01/201212720294828225.html