Denmark joins some European nations in banning burqa, niqab

Women in niqab walk, in front of the Danish Parliament at Christiansborg Castle, in Copenhagen. Photo / AP

Denmark joined some other European countries in deciding Thursday to ban garments that cover the face, including Islamic veils such as the niqab or burqa.

In a 75-30 vote with 74 absentees, Danish lawmakers approved the law presented by the center-right governing coalition. The government says that it is not aimed at any religions and does not ban headscarves, turbans or the traditional Jewish skull cap.

However, the law is popularly known as the "Burqa Ban" and is mostly seen as being directed at the dress worn by some conservative Muslim women. Few Muslim women in Denmark wear full-face veils.

Justice Minister Soeren Pape Poulsen said that it will be up to police officers to use their "common sense" when they see people violating the law that enters into force Aug. 1.

The law allows people to cover their face when there is a "recognizable purpose" like cold weather or complying with other legal requirements, such as using motorcycle helmets under Danish traffic rules.

First-time offenders risk a fine of 1000 kroner (US$156). Repeat offenses could trigger fines of up to 10,000 kroner or a jail sentence of up to six months.

Anyone forcing a person to wear garments covering the face by using force or threats can be fined or face up to two years in prison.

Austria, France and Belgium have similar laws.

The justice ministry and the police now will write more detailed guidelines. Those "should be very concrete" as to what will be banned, said Bjoern Elmquist, a lawyer who has been a prominent opponent of the law.

If it turns out to focus only on women in the niqab or burqa, it could amount to discrimination against a minority group and hence be against the law, Louise Holck of the Danish Institute for Human Rights told TV2 television.

- AP