Italy decides to ban the wearing of the burqa in public places, fines up to 3,000 euros for violators

The ruling party in Italy has called for a ban on Muslim garments that prevent facial recognition in public places, according to a statement issued Wednesday by the Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia). Violations of the ban could result in fines of up to 3,000 euros, local media reported, citing the draft proposal.

In addition to a complete ban on full-face veils in public spaces, schools, universities, offices, and commercial environments, the proposed measure introduces tighter rules on financial transparency in places of worship, making it easier to track foreign funding.

The draft also calls for a ban on so-called virginity tests and harsher penalties for forced marriages practices the party says violate human dignity.

The measure aims to “protect Italian identity, citizens’ security, and women’s freedom,” said the right-wing ruling party in a statement, arguing that it would not restrict religious freedom but would prevent its misuse to justify practices that go against the constitution and social norms.

The proposal provides “concrete tools to stop the spread of fundamentalist practices and opaque funding that threaten security and social cohesion,” according to party lawmaker Galeazzo Bignami.

Italy already has a law dating back to 1975 that prohibits clothing that fully covers the face in public spaces, primarily targeting helmets or masks used for concealment and not religious garments.

France became the first European country to fully ban the niqab in public in 2011, introducing penalties such as fines or community service. Several other countries later adopted similar measures, including Belgium, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The United Nations has warned that such bans may restrict religious freedom and risk further marginalizing women by limiting their participation in public life.

“KORÇA BOOM”