Italy's ruling party, the Brothers of Italy, has announced the introduction of a new bill to ban the use of burqas and niqabs by Muslim women in public places across the country.
According to the international news agency, the ruling party says the move is against alleged Islamic separatism, while critics are calling it an attack on religious freedom.
The party's MP Andrea Delmastro said in a statement that religious freedom is sacred, but it must be exercised openly and in accordance with the Italian constitution.
If this bill is passed, wearing the burqa and niqab will be prohibited in public places such as shops, schools, offices, and government institutions.
Fines ranging from 300 to 3,000 euros have also been proposed in case of violation.
In addition, the bill not only covers the veil, but also includes issues such as the funding of mosques, forced marriages, and transparency of foreign religious funds.
It should be noted that this bill is part of the broader agenda of Prime Minister Giorgia Maloni's right-wing government, which she calls "national unity and security."
On the other hand, Sarah Kelani, the party's immigration chief, said that we want transparency from religious groups, especially those that are not recognized by the state.
If Italy were to ban the burqa or niqab, it would not be the first country in Europe to do so. Several countries have already banned it.
The burqa and niqab are currently banned, in some cases completely or in others partially, in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Bulgaria, and Germany.
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