Hijab ban: In this article we will be reading about countries that have already put a ban on Hijab.
The Hijab debate, which has sparked outrage from across political parties, activists, following the Karnataka High Court order that upheld the Hijab ban is not an isolated instance when religious dress restrictions have been imposed and denying Muslims women their right to profess religion.
Some European and Asian nations have already banned Burqas, hijabs, and veils igniting debates that have yet to be addressed. As the debate over the hijab in Karnataka overheats, following the court order that upheld Hijab ban, we provide a list of nations that have banned veils.
1. France
France was the first country to outlaw the face-covering burqa in 2011. It was also the first European country to do so. The ban was imposed in 2004 with a “ban on students at state-run institutions wearing religious symbols of any kind.” The French parliament voted overwhelmingly to impose a blanket ban on the religious veil, sparking outrage throughout the world. The government outlawed full-face veils in April 2011, citing then-President Nicolas Sarkozy’s statement that they were “unwelcome” in France.
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Face-covering headgear, including as masks, helmets, balaclavas, niqabs, and other veils covering the face, are prohibited in public places under the “Law of 2010-1192: Act prohibiting concealing of the face in public space.” The incident sparked a nationwide debate over a woman’s immigration, security, nationalism, and religious freedom. Anyone who violates the prohibition faces a punishment of €150 (Rs 12,816), while anyone who compels a woman to conceal her face faces a fine of €30,000 (Rs 25,63,350).
2. Switzerland
Switzerland joined the list of European nations that have banned burqas in March 2021. The problem linked once again with religious freedom, security, the economy, and women’s rights. The prohibition was enacted after over 51% of Swiss voters voted in favour of it. Supporters of the ban, who include populist, right-wing organisations, argue that it is necessary to resist what they see as a symptom of women’s subjugation and to protect a basic value that faces should be exposed in a free society like the wealthy Alpine democracy.
3. Netherlands
In August 2019, the burqa and niqab, which are worn by Muslim women, have been banned in the Netherlands on public transportation, government buildings, and health and education facilities. Following the Dutch law, Muslim and human rights organisations have expressed opposition to the law, which is officially known as the “partial ban on face-covering clothing,” and an Islamic political party in Rotterdam has stated that it will pay the fines of 150 euros (Rs 12, 824) for anyone caught breaking it.
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According to reports, the Dutch government claimed that the partial prohibition was not intended to attack any faith and that individuals were allowed to wear as they pleased. “This freedom is limited in sites where communication is critical for excellent quality service or for society’s security,” according to a government website.
4. Sri Lanka
Following the terrible Easters Attack, the country’s Cabinet authorised a ban on burqas in April 2021, citing a threat to national security. The decision was made two years after a spate of synchronised terror assaults on hotels and churches on Easter Sunday, according to Cabinet spokeswoman Keheliya Rambukwella.
5. Belgium
Belgium has prohibited full-face veils since July 11. Anyone who disobeys the legislation faces a fine of up to $700 and up to seven days in prison. Belgium, which has about a million Muslims, passed the ban unanimously on security grounds, noting that authorities must be able to identify persons in public. However, people supporting the ban said that the veil was a symbol of women’s subjugation.
read more: Now in Aligarh, Muslim Students in Hijab Barred from Entering College Campus
6. China
China prohibited burqas, veils, and “abnormal” beards in a predominately Muslim region in 2017. Following decades of ethnic and religious oppression against Xinjiang’s 10 million ethnic Uyghur population, the government-imposed restrictions that forced people to watch state television. Burqa-wearing women are prohibited from visiting airports, train stations, and other public locations under the law.
7. Austria
Austria banned all full-face coverings, including Islamic veils like the niqab and burqa, in October 2017. Violations can result in a fine of up to 150 euros (Rs 12,812). If people refuse to expose their faces, police have the authority to use force. Although full-face veils are worn by a tiny percentage of Muslim women in Austria, they have been a target for right-wing organisations and political parties.
8. Bulgaria
In the aftermath of attacks in Europe, Bulgaria’s parliament outlawed face coverings in public in 2016. “Burqa prohibition” bill introduced by The nationalist Patriotic Front coalitio parallels similar measures in other Western European nations. Those who do not comply with the prohibition will be fined 1,500 levs (Rs 64,337).
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