Dutch government says it will ban face-concealing apparel
Regulation would include burqas
AMSTERDAM -- The Dutch government said yesterday that it would outlaw full-length veils such as the Muslim burqa and other face-concealing apparel in public places, marking this once-tolerant nation's latest about-face on questions of culture and assimilation in Europe.
The Netherlands, once considered one of Europe's most welcoming nations for immigrants and asylum seekers, is deeply divided over government moves to stem the tide of new arrivals and compel them to adopt Dutch ways.
Ayhan Tonca, who heads a Dutch Muslim organization, denounced the proposal as "a big law for a small problem," and said as few as 30 women wear burqas in the Netherlands. Amsterdam's mayor said giving the issue too much attention could backfire.
Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk said the ban was to promote security. "The Cabinet finds it undesirable that face-covering clothing -- including the burqa -- is worn in public places for reasons of public order, security, and protection of citizens," Verdonk said in a statement.
"From a security standpoint, people should always be recognizable, and from the standpoint of integration, we think people should be able to communicate with one another," Verdonk told national broadcaster NOS.
She said the ban would include not only the tent-like burqa, but full-face helmets and ski masks.
The announcement came after the final meeting of Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende's Cabinet before elections Wednesday.
It appeared to be aimed at attracting the right-wing vote and at consolidating the alliance between Balkenende's Christian Democrats and the free-market Liberal party, which has taken the lead on tightening immigration laws.
