Italy is set to impose harsh penalties on individuals wearing burqas in public, with fines reaching up to £3,000. The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has proposed a nationwide ban on burqas and niqabs in public spaces, citing concerns over “Islamic and cultural separatism.”
The draft bill, which is expected to be presented to parliament soon, aims to regulate Islamic face coverings and foreign funding for mosques. According to reports, individuals found violating the ban could face fines ranging from €300 to €3,000.
“We want to intervene against Islamic separatism, a phenomenon manifested through the creation of enclaves where sharia law prevails over Italian law,” said Andrea Delmastro, a lawmaker supporting the bill.
The proposed legislation has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it targets Muslims and restricts religious freedom. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned the bill, stating it “makes no sense given that anyone would still be free to cover their faces for medical reasons, costume parties, holidays, and any other reason other than their religious beliefs.
Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary to protect Italian identity, security, and women’s freedom. “The law against Islamic separatism represents a necessary step to protect Italian identity, the safety of citizens, and the freedom of women,” said Galeazzo Bignami, a deputy minister with Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party.
The Italian government has faced criticism from human rights organizations, who argue the bill infringes on religious freedom and could lead to increased discrimination against Muslims.