The Dutch cabinet has approved a proposal for a partial ban on face-covering Islamic veils on public transport and in public areas such as schools and hospitals.
After the cabinet backed a bill by the interior minister, Ronald Plasterk, the government said in a statement on Friday: “Face-covering clothing will in future not be accepted in education and healthcare institutions, government buildings and on public transport.”
The ban would not apply to wearing the burqa or the niqab on the street, only for security reasons or “in specific situations where it is essential for people to be seen”, the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, told journalists after a cabinet meeting. [1,494 comments]
[TOP RATED COMMENT 429 votes] Seems fair. There is a need to allow facial recognition whilst permitting personal freedoms of dress. This hits the right spot.
[2ND 401] "The niqab is an insult to common sense."
And an insult to very hard-won European, liberal, post-enlightenment values including equality of the sexes.
[3RD 296] Good.
[4TH 288] "persecution of muslims continues unchecked....."
Lol 'persecution'. Live in any Islamic country in the world and then you might understand persecution.
[5TH 263] "the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, told journalists after a cabinet meeting.
He said: “The bill does not have any religious background.”
Rutte is perfectly right. Wearing the burqa is not a religious act, but a political one. [The Guardian] Read more
