Islam Watch: Dutch Government Supports BAN on Burqa
Dutch Minister for Justice Rita Verdonk speaks during a media conference after a meeting of EU justice and interior ministers at the EU Council building in Luxembourg, in this Monday Oct. 25, 2004 file photo. The Dutch government, facing re-election next week, said Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, it plans to draw up legislation ‘as soon as possible’ banning the head-to-toe garment known as burqas and other clothing that covers the entire face in public places. The announcement puts the Netherlands, once considered one of Europe’s most welcoming nations for immigrants and asylum seekers, at the forefront of a general European hardening of attitudes toward Muslim minorities. ‘The Cabinet finds it undesirable that face-covering clothing – including the burqa – is worn in public places for reasons of public order, security and protection of citizens,’ Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk said in a statement.
BBC: Dutch government backs burqa ban
The Dutch cabinet has backed a proposal by the country’s immigration minister to ban Muslim women from wearing the burqa in public places.
The burqa, a full body covering that also obscures the face, would be banned by law in the street, and in trains, schools, buses and the law courts.
The cabinet said burqas disturb public order, citizens and safety.
The decision comes days ahead of elections which the ruling centre-right coalition is expected to win.
Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk is known for her tough policies, and has clashed with past coalition partners.
Late last year she said the government would look into a ban after a majority in the Dutch parliament said they were in favour.
The English and Jack Straw have attempted to draw the same line.
Will they achieve their objective of Islamic assimilation?
Probably not – unless they get tough and limit their social welfare state and Islamic immigration.
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