http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16914242%255E2703,00.html
Dutch aim to ban the burka
Anthony Browne, Brussels
October 14, 2005
THE Netherlands is likely to become the first country in Europe to ban the
burka, under government proposals that would bring in some of the toughest
curbs on Muslim clothing in the world.
The country's hardline Integration Minister, Rita Verdonk - known as the Iron
Lady for her series of tough anti-immigration measures - told parliament she
was going to investigate where and when the burka should be banned.
The burka, which is traditional clothing in some Islamic societies, covers a
woman's face and body, leaving only a strip of gauze for the eyes.
Ms Verdonk gave warning that the "time of cosy tea-drinking" with Muslim groups
had passed and that natives and immigrants should have the courage to be
critical of each other. She recently cancelled a meeting with Muslim leaders
who refused to shake her hand because she was a woman.
The proposals are likely to win the support of parliament because of the
expected backing by right-wing parties.
But they have caused outrage among Muslim and human rights groups, who say the
Government is pandering to the far Right.
Ms Verdonk admitted a complete ban on the garment would be legally tricky
because of freedom of religion legislation.
She said, however, that she would prohibit the garments "in specific
situations" on grounds of public safety.
The ban is likely to be enforced in shops, public buildings, cinemas, train and
bus stations and airports, as well as on trains and buses.
The Netherlands has become preoccupied by Islamic terrorism after the
investigation into the murder of the filmmaker Theo van Gogh uncovered a
network of Muslim extremists dedicated to destroying the country.
Attention has turned to the burka because police authorities have become
concerned that a terrorist could use one for concealment. "We want to
investigate when, how, in which places the burka should be banned," a
Government spokesman said. "It is a safety measure - you don't see who is in
it."
The Government cites as a precedent existing soccer legislation, which bans
people from entering grounds covering their faces in scarves.
Yassim Hertog, a vice-president of the Muslim School Boards Union, said: "Can
you prohibit someone from wearing a certain type of dress? They are trying to
test what a government can forbid, and how far you can go trampling on people's
rights.
"They want to show all these Dutch citizens who are sick and tired of all these
'mutant' citizens, this is where we draw the line - get normal."
Muslim groups insist that only a few dozen women in The Netherlands wear the
burka, and that the ban is a distraction.
The Times
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