A ban on wearing the burqa has come into force in the Netherlands
According to statistics, in a country with a population of 17 million, between 200 and 300 women constantly wear Muslim clothing that covers the face. This is either a burqa, which covers a woman's face with a mesh, or a niqab, a headdress with a slit for the eyes that completely covers the face.
Unlike France, where wearing the burqa and niqab has been banned in public places since 2010, in the Netherlands it is allowed. The ban also applies to full-face motorcycle helmets and balaclavas.
As RFI reports, violation of the law in the Netherlands is punishable by a fine of 150 euros. Security personnel must first demand that a woman wearing such Muslim clothing uncover her face. If she refuses to comply with this requirement, she may be denied entry to a building or use of public transport, or be fined.
Similar laws have also been adopted in Belgium, Denmark and Austria. In Germany, the ban on wearing headgear and clothing that covers the face is partially in effect in several federal states.
The law banning the wearing of this Muslim clothing was adopted in the Netherlands in June 2018, having been discussed in parliament and society for several years. The bill was proposed in 2005 by Geert Wilders, a deputy of the far-right Party for Freedom, known for his harsh anti-Muslim rhetoric.