The lower house of the Dutch parliament voted on Tuesday to approve a partial ban on face-covering garments such as burqas and niqabs in some public places. The Associated Press reports that the bill, which now goes to the Dutch senate, was won by a significant majority of the lower house with strong backing from the Freedom Party, which promotes Islamophobia.
According to the Associated Press, only a small number of women in the Netherlands wear face veils, but right-wing legislators still want to ban any clothing that covers the face (the ban would also include ski masks and helmets) in some public spaces where the government feels it's necessary to easily identify people. The bill seeks to ban burqas, niqabs, and non-religious face coverings in government buildings, schools and other educational institutions, public transportation, and hospitals.
The Dutch government has called the bill "religion neutral," according to Reuters, but it closely resembles other Islamophobic burqa bans in France and Belgium.
If the legislation passes in the Netherlands, violators of the law (i.e. some people who are merely practicing their religion peacefully) will be faced with a fine of 405 euros (about $430 USD), according to Reuters.
When announcing the legislation, the government made a contradictory statement, saying "Everyone has the right to dress as he or she wishes. That freedom is limited only where it is essential for people to see each other, for example to ensure good service or security."
