30 June 2010

Tory MP bids to 'ban the burka'

A Tory MP has launched an effort to pass a law banning Muslim women from wearing the burka. Philip Hollobone will attempt to steer legislation through the Commons to regulate the wearing of "certain facial coverings".

The Kettering MP said his Bill would make it illegal for people to cover their faces in public "which would obviously have a big impact for those who wear full-face Islamic veils". He told the Press Association: "I think it's inappropriate to cover your face in public, whether it's a burka, a balaclava or anything else. [UKPA] Read more

Burka ban put to Commons by MP Philip Hollobone, Conservative MP for Kettering, will present his Private Members Face Coverings (Regulation) Bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday in the wake of a Council of Europe ruling saying no bans should be imposed.

MPs from 47 countries voted that outlawing the hijab would deny women the right to cover their faces even if they genuinely want to. Mr Hollobone, who previously likened wearing the garment to "going around with a paper bag over your head", said the ruling proved European politicians are out of touch. [Northants Evening Telegraph] Read more [via Islamophobia Watch]