Denmark bans burkas and niqabs in public places

0
Women in niqab walk, in front of the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg Castle, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Thursday May 31. 2018. Denmark has joined some other European countries in banning garments that cover the face, including Islamic veils such as the niqab or burqa. In a 75-30 vote with 74 absentees, Danish lawmakers on Thursday approved the law presented by Denmark's center-right governing coalition. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Denmark has voted to ban the burka, following several other European countries who have also voted to outlaw garments that cover the face. Today lawmakers voted to make it illegal to wear Islamic veils such as the niqab or burka.

Repeat ‘offenders’ of the ban face up to six months in jail and human rights campaigners have called it a violation of people’s rights of freedom of expression.

The Danish Government has claimed the move is not aimed at any religious group and does not ban headscarves, turbans or the traditional Jewish skull cap.

Justice Minister Soeren Pape Poulsen said that it will be up to police officers to use their ‘common sense’ when they see people violating the law that enters into force on 1st August.

The law allows people to cover their face when there is a ‘recognizable purpose’ like cold weather or complying with other legal requirements, such as using motorcycle helmets under Danish traffic rules. First-time offenders risk a fine of 1,000 kroner (£117)


CLICK TO COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.