26 January 2018

Denmark's burka ban could also forbid masks and fake beards

A Ministry of Justice proposal for a new law against the wearing of the burka in public could apply to all "comprehensively masking items" - including masks, helmets and false beards.

The ministry's draft proposal comes after the government last year announced its intention to ban the burka, the full-face Islamic veil, from use in public places.

According to broadcaster DR, which has been seen the draft, the proposal states that it will be "forbidden to wear clothing items that cover the face in public places".

That definition encompasses scarves, masks, helmets, fully-covering costumes, false beards and other hats that cover the face, according to DR's report of the ministry's note.

Assessment of whether individual items can be considered to cover the face enough to be prohibited will made by police, according to the report.

The note also makes a provision for face-masking items to be allowed if they serve a "worthy purpose". The draft names scarves and hats in cold weather and costumes as fitting this description.

The government proposes that infringement of the burka ban be punishable by a fine of 1,000 kroner or up to three months in prison. [The Local] Read more