Austrian parliament bans use of full face veil

A new bill has been passed by the Austrian parliament banning garments that fully cover the face of women – the latest restriction for the Muslim population in the European country.

According to reports, the provision, 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.

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But the ban according to Farid Hafez, political scientist at the University of Salzburg and editor of The European Islamophobia Report, was just the latest move imposing restrictions on Muslims in Austria.

“This is another example of the far right becoming the hegemonic force in the public discourse,” he told Al Jazeera.

The bill which was adopted on Tuesday night was backed by both ruling parties and means that people wearing full-face veils in public will be subject to fines starting in October.

 

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