Dutch MPs approve partial ban on burka wearing in public

The Dutch parliament approved on 29 November 2016 a ban on the Islamic full-face burqa from some public places such as schools, hospitals and public transport. The legislation still needed to go before the Senate for approval before becoming law.

The Dutch cabinet had approved the plan in mid-2015, but decided not to go as far as banning wearing burkas on the streets. It backed the legislation due to the 'necessity to be able to interact face-to-face, for instance in places where public services are performed and safety must be guaranteed'.

• Primary Source

Dutchnews.nl, 23.11.16: Dutch MPs debate ban on burkas in government buildings – update http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2016/11/dutch-mps-debate-ban-on-burkas-in-government-buildings-public-transport/

The Independent, 29.11.16: Dutch parliament approves partial burqa ban in public places http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dutch-burqa-veil-ban-holland-votes-for-partial-restrictions-some-public-places-a7445656.html

BBC News, 29.11.16: Burka ban backed by Dutch MPs for public places http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-38149264

Deutsche Welle, 29.11.16: Dutch lawmakers endorse limited burqa ban http://dw.com/p/2TSfk

Huffington Post: Tag: Netherlands Burqa Ban http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/netherlands-burqa-ban/

The World Today, Vol.72, No.6, Dec 2016/Jan 2017: Holland's veiled threat / What's behind Holland’s burqa ban? https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/twt/holland-s-veiled-threat

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