Dutch govt agrees to ban wearing of burqa

THE HAGUE, September 17 (Itar-Tass) -- The Dutch government on Friday
agreed to introduce a formal ban on the wearing of the burqa in public
places. The burga is the traditional Muslim women's clothing, which
completely hides the head and body. Interior Minister Piet Hein Donner
broke the news to the media after the traditional Friday meeting of the
Cabinet.
The Dutch government decided that "the wearing of clothing covering
the face is basically inconsistent with the nature of social relations in
the country."
"Even if this measure to some extent limits the freedom of religion,
it is necessary and justified in order to protect the foundations of
social life in the Netherlands," they said.
After legal coordination the bill will be submitted to the national
parliament for adoption. If the legislators agree, the ban will acquire
the force of law and the abusers will face a fine. According to some
sources it will be around 380 euros.
If the law comes into force, the Netherlands will be a third European
country after France and Belgium to have banned the burga. This ban shall
not apply to transit passengers traveling through the Netherlands by plane
or other means of transport.
The Netherlands, with a population of 16.7 million, has a Muslims
community of one million.