On October 8, 2025, Italy's ruling Brothers of Italy party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, introduced a draft bill proposing a nationwide ban on wearing face-covering garments such as the burqa and niqab in public spaces. The bill aims to address concerns over "Islamic separatism" and enhance national security.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The draft bill seeks to prohibit the wearing of face-covering garments in various public places, including:
Schools
Universities
Shops
Offices
Other public areas
Violators of the proposed law would face fines ranging from €300 to €3,000. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat what the party describes as "cultural separatism" linked to Islam, aiming to promote integration and uphold Italian values .
Broader Implications of the Bill
In addition to the face-covering ban, the proposed legislation includes several other measures:
Regulation of Mosque Funding: The bill seeks to regulate foreign funding for mosques and Islamic centers to ensure transparency and prevent external influence on religious institutions.
Enhanced Oversight: It proposes increased oversight of Islamic centers to address concerns over extremism and foster integration within Italian society.
Addressing Cultural Crimes: The legislation also targets practices such as forced marriages and virginity testing, aiming to protect individuals from coercion and uphold human rights .
Context and International Perspective
Italy is not the first European country to propose such measures. Similar bans have been implemented in countries like France, Belgium, and Denmark, motivated by security concerns and the desire to promote cultural integration. The European Court of Human Rights has upheld these bans, citing the need to balance individual freedoms with public safety .