Italy is poised to be the next European nation to outlaw the burka, following a government report that supported the suggested legislation.
The proposal has been introduced in a bill by MPs from the anti-immigration Northern League party, which is part of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s ruling right-wing coalition.
This development comes just weeks after France implemented a ban on burkas and other types of face coverings, a move that led al Qaeda terrorists to threaten retaliation.
An Interior Ministry report currently under review by the Constitutional Affairs Commission states that if the law is enacted, it should clarify that burkas and other face coverings are being prohibited for ‘security reasons,’ not ‘religious reasons.’
During their investigation, the Interior Ministry consulted several prominent Muslims regarding the burka’s use, with many noting its absence from the Koran.
Ejaz Ahmed, a member of the Italian Islam Committee, remarked: ‘The burka and the niqab do not originate from the Koran; in fact, they are not even mentioned in it.
‘The burka is unrelated to religion; it existed long before Islam, having been worn by the Romans, Byzantines, and Persians, and it is not a religious requirement.
‘There is no link between the burka, the niqab, and Islam – banning the burka will uphold women’s dignity and public safety, particularly since many suicide bombers in Pakistan have concealed explosives beneath burkas.’
Conversely, other members of the Islam Committee asserted that the burka is an aspect of Muslim culture.
Ahmad Gianpiero Vincenzo expressed: ‘The government risks exacerbating Islamophobia with the implementation of this law.
‘They believe that by claiming it is for public safety, they are absolving themselves of responsibility, but any ban on the burka will only be misused.’
The Interior Ministry report to the Commission asserted: ‘The law must prioritize public safety, considering that such apparel hinders immediate identification by law enforcement and the ability to be accurately described by witnesses.
‘Ensuring a person’s recognition is crucial, especially due to the threat of international terrorism.
‘The legislation must refrain from including any references to Islam or religion to prevent inciting further controversy.’
Italy is home to over one million Muslims, though it is uncommon to see women in full burka attire.
There have been occasions, particularly in northern regions like Milan and Verona, where women wearing the burka have been requested to remove at least their face veils.
Legally, it is prohibited to be seen in public with anything that obstructs immediate identification. In recent months, several cases have arisen where overly zealous officials have fined women in burkas.
Earlier this year, Amel Marmouri, aged 36, was penalized £430 for wearing a burka at her local post office in Novara, and her husband, Ben Salah Braim, stated he would prefer to keep her inside rather than allow her to go out uncovered.
Additionally, there has been resistance against the ‘burkini,’ a swimwear option designed for Islamic dress.
Several Muslim women wearing burkinis at swimming pools in Italy have faced eviction, with officials labeling the garments as ‘unhygienic.’
The Northern League’s proposal seeks to modify a 1975 law, enacted due to concerns over domestic terrorism, which prohibits anyone from wearing items that make identification impossible.
The Constitutional Affairs Commission is anticipated to report back later in the autumn, and the law is not expected to pass through parliament before next year at the earliest.
