The Government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is planning to introduce a ban on Islamic female face coverings, namely the burqa and niqab.
The Brothers of Italy party say that the garments, which are part of Islamic ‘modesty culture’ and apply only to women and girls, are contributing to “Islamic separatism” in Italy and do not adhere to the values of the country.
The burqa is a full-body garment which covers the wearer from head to toe, including a mesh screen to conceal even the eyes, while the niqab leaves the area around the eyes clear while covering the body from head to foot.
Italy has drawn inspiration for the proposed legislation from other European states such as France which passed a similar ban in 2011.
Other countries such as Belgium, Denmark, and Switzerland have since introduced either full or partial bans on the garments which can be traced back to the 7th century and are worn in part to differentiate Muslim women from non-Muslims.
One of the voices behind the bill, lawmaker Andrea Delmastro said on Wednesday, “Religious freedom is sacred, but it must be exercised in the open, in full respect of our constitution and the principles of the Italian state,”.
The bill seeks to fine those who wear the coverings in public spaces, including schools and offices, between €300 and €3,000.
The funding of mosques will also come under increased scrutiny under the bill as religious funding that is not affiliated with the state, as well as moves to prevent forced marriages.
The head of immigration policy for the Brothers of Italy, Sara Kelany says, “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 the legislation against forced marriages. In Italy, we apply our laws which are based on a specific set of values,”she said.