The delicate issue of the burqa ban

Belgium has banned burqas and France is planning to do so as well. What about the UK? Photo credit: Ed Yourdon

Belgian MPs have voted a law to impose a ban on wearing the burqa in public places. This reignites the argument against the freedom of religion across Europe and the UK.

Belgian law does not explicitly refer to the burqa or the niqab but states that every piece of clothing that prevents the wearer from being fully identified is forbidden.

This law still needs to be endorsed in the next public meeting in the Parliament. But it is already a very important step taken in an European country.

Many other countries in Europe are debating new laws over Muslim customs. In Switzerland, a referendum showed that most of the population were against minarets in their country. Later, the government voted for a law to impose a ban on minarets in the country.

The French government is trying to implement a law that would ban the niqab and the burqa in public places. But the Council of State, whose role is to rule over a new law before it is voted, said that the ban could not be enforced everywhere (especially in the streets). The council was concerned about the clause 8 and 9 of the European Human Rights Convention. Those clauses defend the freedom of expression and religion. The council believes that the original law needs changes to respect the European Human Rights Convention.

However, Belgian MPs believe that being veiled is against the freedom of women. and they believe that this law is essential for the respect of women.

In the UK, the debate is divided. The First Pint spoke to MPs and Muslims living in the country to see their reactions to a similar law coming to the UK.