Italy Moves to Ban Burqas, Niqabs in Public Spaces, Enforce Religious Transparency Measures

Rome: Italy’s ruling Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia) party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has introduced a bill to ban burqas, niqabs, and all full-face coverings in public spaces across the country — a move it says is aimed at combating “cultural separatism” and religious radicalisation.

The proposed law, tabled in parliament on Wednesday, would prohibit wearing face-covering garments in schools, offices, shops, universities, and government buildings. Offenders could face fines between €300 and €3,000 ($350–$3,500).

According to the bill’s introduction, the measure seeks to protect “public cohesion” and counter “religiously motivated hatred.” The burqa and niqab, commonly worn by some Muslim women, fully or partially conceal the face.

France, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland have already enacted similar bans, upheld by the European Court of Human Rights as necessary to preserve social integration and security. Several Italian regions, including Lombardy, already restrict face coverings in public buildings — the new proposal would extend this nationwide.

Beyond the clothing ban, the legislation also tightens financial transparency rules for religious organisations without formal state agreements — a category that includes all Muslim associations in Italy. These groups would be required to disclose funding sources to ensure no links to extremist financing.

The bill further proposes criminalising virginity tests, imposing tougher penalties for forced marriages, and adding “religious coercion” as a punishable offence.

With Meloni’s right-wing coalition commanding a solid parliamentary majority, the measure is expected to advance smoothly, though the debate schedule is yet to be announced.

If enacted, Italy would join the growing list of European nations enforcing nationwide bans on face coverings in public, marking a major step in Meloni’s push to reinforce national identity and security.