Italy’s ruling party, the Brothers of Italy, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has introduced a draft law seeking to ban the wearing of burqas and niqabs in all public spaces, including schools, offices, and shops. The proposal, framed as a move against “Islamic separatism,” has triggered a heated national debate on religious freedom and cultural integration.
What the Bill Proposes
The proposed legislation bans garments that cover the face in public, explicitly naming burqas and niqabs as restricted items. Those violating the rule could face fines ranging from €300 to €3,000.
Beyond clothing restrictions, the bill introduces several new measures aimed at promoting “transparency and equality” in religious practices. It requires all religious organizations to disclose their funding sources, particularly foreign donations, to prevent potential extremist influence.
In addition, the bill also targets forced and arranged marriages, increasing prison sentences to up to ten years for those found guilty of coercion. Practices such as virginity testing would also be criminalized, expanding the law’s scope beyond clothing to broader cultural and religious issues.
Government’s Justification
Supporters of the bill argue that it promotes national security, integration, and women’s rights. According to lawmakers from the Brothers of Italy, full-face coverings are seen as a “symbol of separation” that hinders women’s participation in Italian public life.
Galeazzo Bignami, a senior member of the ruling party, stated that the law “defends Italy’s cultural identity and protects women from religious oppression.” The government also insists that the proposal is not aimed at any particular religion but rather at ensuring “equal treatment and public safety.”
Critics Raise Concerns
However, the proposed law has met with strong opposition from human rights groups, Muslim organizations, and opposition parties. Critics say the move stigmatizes Muslim women and infringes on their freedom of religion and expression.
Yassine Lafram, president of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, warned that the law could “alienate thousands of Muslim women who already face challenges in social inclusion.” He added that “banning religious attire will not foster integration — it will deepen division.”
Opposition lawmakers from the Democratic Party have called the bill “discriminatory and unnecessary,” pointing out that existing Italian laws already prohibit face coverings that pose security concerns.
European Context
Italy’s proposal follows similar moves across Europe, where several countries — including France, Belgium, Austria, and Denmark — have already banned full-face veils in public. These bans have been upheld by the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled that such laws do not violate religious freedom if justified on the grounds of public safety or “social cohesion.”
Supporters of Italy’s bill argue that aligning with these European precedents would help maintain consistency across the EU and reinforce shared secular values.
Legal and Social Implications
If passed, the Italian law would be one of the strictest in Europe regarding religious attire. While proponents view it as a necessary measure to uphold secularism, legal experts warn that it could face constitutional challenges.
The Italian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and any legislation perceived as targeting a specific community could be contested in court. Religious and civil rights groups have already hinted at possible legal appeals if the bill is enacted.
Socially, the move risks straining relations between Italy’s Muslim population, estimated at around 2.5 million, and the broader public. Many fear that such legislation could embolden anti-immigrant sentiment and deepen polarization at a time when integration efforts are still evolving.
What’s Next
The draft law is expected to be discussed in Parliament later this year. With Meloni’s coalition holding a comfortable majority, the bill is likely to pass its initial stages, though it may face amendments before final approval.
For now, the debate over Italy’s burqa and niqab ban highlights the delicate balance between security and freedom, secularism and diversity, and the ongoing challenge of integration in modern Europe.
As Italy joins the growing list of countries confronting this issue, the world watches closely to see whether this legislation becomes a symbol of empowerment or exclusion.
Source:
Reuters – “New Italian Bill Targets Islamic Face Coverings and Religious Funding” (Published October 8, 2025)
