Italy’s right-wing party Lega has introduced a bill in parliament seeking to ban face-covering attire, such as burqas or niqabs, in public spaces.
The proposed law cites concerns over public order and the constitutional principle of respecting women’s dignity as its primary motivations.
Violations of the ban could result in penalties of up to €30,000, imprisonment for up to two years, and disqualification from applying for Italian citizenship.
The initiative aligns with broader debates in Europe over the balance between religious freedom and public safety, as well as the integration of diverse cultural practices.