Dutch cabinet backs partial Islamic burqa ban

The Dutch cabinet on Friday approved a partial ban on wearing the face-covering Islamic veil, including in schools, hospitals and on public transport.

“Face-covering clothing will in future not be accepted in education and healthcare institutions, government buildings and on public transport,” the government said in a statement after the cabinet backed Interior Minister Ronald Plasterk’s bill. The ban does not apply to wearing the burqa on the street, but only “in specific situations where it is essential for people to be seen” or for security reasons, Prime Minister Mark Rutte told journalists after the cabinet meeting. 

“The bill does not have any religious background,” Rutte said.

<g data-gr-id="19">Government</g> said it “tried to find a balance between people’s freedom to wear the clothes they want and the importance of mutual and recognisable communication.” A previous bill banning burqa even on <g data-gr-id="17">street</g> and dating from Rutte’s last govt supported by anti-Islam populist Geert <g data-gr-id="18">Wilders,</g> will be withdrawn.