Austria is planning to ban Islamic full-face veils in courts, schools and other public places.
The prohibition will apply to the niqab and burqa, the full-face or face-and-body coverings worn by some Muslim women.
It comes as part of a package of reforms drawn up by the country's governing coalition to counter the rise of the far-right Freedom Party, which has topped opinion polls for months.
"We believe in an open society that is also based on open communication. Full-body veils in public spaces stand against that and will therefore be prohibited," the agreement said.
The country's coalition also agreed to prohibit police officers, judges, magistrates and public prosecutors from wearing head scarves in the interest of appearing "ideologically and religiously neutral" while serving the state.
[TOP RATED COMMENT] When will the UK have the courage to do this. Those coverings are offensive!!
[ANOTHER] Muslim face covering are provocative - and they know it.
[ANOTHER] Good for Austria, now Mrs May get it implemented here NOW
[ANOTHER] Also, what message does this alienating face mask send out to their own children? They should be the next generation of integrated citizens. Instead they will see us as "other" based on parents signalling, and be ripe for radicalization.
[ANOTHER] Well done Austria. We now just have to make sure we push through similar rulings across the EU and UK. In November Slovakia passed legislation which effectively prevents Islam from being a recognised religion in the country (bloody well done there), so no state funds etc....and this must be pushed through in other countries. With energy, persistence and the desire to do what is right we can eradicate Islam in Europe.
[ANOTHER] Ban the hijab. No one wore it until Saudi petrodollars exported hard Islam. It's a very political statement.
[ANOTHER] Why are Muslims so desperate to move to America and Europe, can they build good lives in Mulsim nations of hire choosing? What does this say about Muslim society?
[ANOTHER] Good, it is a disgusting Bedouin habit. [The Independent] Read more
