Bulgaria: The parliament banned the burka in public places
The Bulgarian parliament has banned today the total face shield in public places, in a move that, according to its supporters, will enhance security in the wake of Islamist attacks in Europe.
The law "banning the burqa," promoted by the nationalist coalition Patriotic Front, echoes similar measures in Western European countries such as France, the Netherlands and Belgium, which have corresponding legislation banning the burqa or the niqab.
Those who do not implement the law will face fines of up to 1,500 leva (860 euros) and the suspension of payment of social benefits.
The Movement for Rights and Freedoms of the Turkish community in the country refused to participate in the vote, which followed the ban of the total covering of the head in public spaces in several Bulgarian cities. He argued that the ban would cause religious intolerance.
The ruling center-right party has stated that the prohibition is not related to religious clothing, but the only objective is to enhance national security and to facilitate monitoring by cameras.
"The law is not directly directed against religious communities and not oppressive," said Krasimir Velchev, MP from the ruling GERB party. "We created a very good law on the safety of our children."
Under the law, no person covers authorized government agencies, schools, cultural institutions and public recreational areas. However, in; exception allowed for health reasons and for business.
Muslims account for about 12% of the Bulgarian population of 7.2 million. Inhabitants and most belong to a mainly Turkish community.
Muslim women in the country traditionally do not wear niqab or burka, except for a small group of Roma community, which recently adopted, sparking tensions in Pazardzhik city. Many Bulgarians are concerned that the influx of immigrants in Europe may threaten mainly orthodox, their Christian culture and contribute to the radicalization of part of the Muslim minority.
The Bulgarian parliament has banned today the total face shield in public places, in a move that, according to its supporters, will enhance security in the wake of Islamist attacks in Europe.
The law "banning the burqa," promoted by the nationalist coalition Patriotic Front, echoes similar measures in Western European countries such as France, the Netherlands and Belgium, which have corresponding legislation banning the burqa or the niqab.
Those who do not implement the law will face fines of up to 1,500 leva (860 euros) and the suspension of payment of social benefits.
The Movement for Rights and Freedoms of the Turkish community in the country refused to participate in the vote, which followed the ban of the total covering of the head in public spaces in several Bulgarian cities. He argued that the ban would cause religious intolerance.
The ruling center-right party has stated that the prohibition is not related to religious clothing, but the only objective is to enhance national security and to facilitate monitoring by cameras.
"The law is not directly directed against religious communities and not oppressive," said Krasimir Velchev, MP from the ruling GERB party. "We created a very good law on the safety of our children."
Under the law, no person covers authorized government agencies, schools, cultural institutions and public recreational areas. However, in; exception allowed for health reasons and for business.
Muslims account for about 12% of the Bulgarian population of 7.2 million. Inhabitants and most belong to a mainly Turkish community.
Muslim women in the country traditionally do not wear niqab or burka, except for a small group of Roma community, which recently adopted, sparking tensions in Pazardzhik city. Many Bulgarians are concerned that the influx of immigrants in Europe may threaten mainly orthodox, their Christian culture and contribute to the radicalization of part of the Muslim minority.
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου