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AUSTRIA: Ban on full-face veil goes into effect

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Denmark bans wearing of full face veil in public

A ban on full-face veil in public places comes into force in Austria today and it is the latest restriction for the Muslim population in the European country.

The new law banning garments that fully cover the face of women passed by Austrian parliament members is part of a larger integration package; with a rule that those caught wearing the veil in public will be fined $166.

According to government, the law, which says faces must be visible from the hairline to the chin, is about protecting Austrian values.

Muslim groups have condemned the law, saying just a tiny minority of Austrian Muslims wear full-face veils.

Read also: Dutch parliament approves ban on face veil

An estimated 150 women wear the full burka in Austria but tourism officials have expressed fears that the measures will also deter visitors from the Gulf.

In December 2016, the Dutch parliament finally approved a limited ban on face veil predominantly worn by Muslim women.

According to reports, the law – pending senate’s approval – outlaws face veils, ski masks and helmets in some public places, like government buildings, hospitals, schools and on public transportation but not the streets.

 

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