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Publication: m.Dailyhunt.in
Date: February 17, 2022
URL:      https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/news9+live-epaper-newslive/hijab+row+complete +list+of+countries+that+have+banned+burqa-newsid-n360098356?s=a&uu=0xcf47aedeb2911a4a& ss=wsp

Agitations against and for burqa in Karnataka has snowballed. (Photo credit: PTI)

The squabble over burqa that erupted last month in Udupi, Karnataka, has now snowballed into a massive controversy. Protests for and against wearing the 'hijab' at educational institutions have risen in Karnataka. The issue has taken the centre stage and people from all parts have stepped in to discuss and debate the long existing-global topic.

Over the last decade, the burqa has become increasingly divisive, with a number of nations either outlawing it or vehemently discussing whether it is acceptable with national norms.

Burqas, hijabs, and veils have been outlawed in several European and Asian countries, igniting debates that are yet to be addressed.

Here's a list of countries that banned burqa

France

The burqa was banned in public for the first time in Europe when France did so. It all began in 2004 with a ban on students wearing religious symbols in state-run institutions. However, in April 2011, the government took a step further and made full-face veils illegal in public. For violating the restriction, women may face fines of up to 150 euros as well as citizenship instructions. Whereas, a 30,000 euro fine awaits anyone who forces a lady to cover her face.

Belgium

In 2011, Belgium followed France's lead and implemented bans on full-face-covering clothing such as the burqa or the hijab. The act prohibited the wearing of clothes that conceals the wearer's identity in public areas. Breaking the law can result in a fine or up to seven days in prison.

Bulgaria

In the aftermath of Islamist extremist attacks in Europe, Bulgaria's parliament outlawed face veils in public in 2016. The nationalist Patriotic Front coalition's "burqa ban" law replicates similar measures taken in other Western European countries.

Denmark

Denmark joined other European countries in prohibiting face-covering clothing, including Islamic veils like the hijab and burqa, in 2018.

Switzerland

In March 2021, Switzerland became one of the European countries to outlaw burqas. After slightly over 51 per cent of Swiss voters voted in favour of the prohibition, it was implemented.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a prohibition on all full-face coverings, including some forms of Muslim attire, went into effect in 2019. The implementation of the 'Burqa Ban' took the Dutch government fourteen years. It was first enacted by a majority in the Lower House in 2005, but it did not pass constitutional challenges.

Austria

Face coverings have been illegal in Austria since 2017 when the Law Against Wearing Face Veils was passed. The law mandates that persons reveal their entire face, from chin to hairline. Violations can result in a fine of up to 150 euros.

Chad

Since two suicide bomb bombings in June 2015, women in Chad have been prohibited from wearing a complete veil. The prime minister, Kalzeube Pahimi Deubet, described it as "camouflage" and declared that all burqas on the market would be burned. People who wear them may be arrested and sentenced to prison. So far, Chad is the only Muslim-majority country to criminalise religious face veils.

Republic of Congo

The Republic of the Congo, often known as Congo-Brazzaville, became the first African government to outlaw the burqa in May 2015. In CongoBrazzaville, Muslims account for less than 5 per cent of the population.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved a proposed ban on wearing full-face veils in public, including burqas, in April 2021, claiming national security reasons. Burqas were briefly outlawed in 2019 after more than 250 people were killed in suicide bombings on Easter Sunday.