Netherlands: Burqa should be allowed

New Dutch minister for living, neighbourhoods and integration Ella Vogelaar, has stated that Muslim women should be allowed to wear the face-concealing burka on the street if they want to. However, the burqa should be avoided in jobs where women come into contact with the public, she said on Dutch television. The Labour Party minister cited education and health as examples of professions where it is important to have face-to-face contact.

Volegaar's comments came despite an earlier announcement by the newly formed Dutch cabinet that it planned to ban the wearing of face-concealing garments if this is required to maintain public order.

Meanwhile a survey by Maurice de Hond shows that 66% of the Dutch support such a ban.  32% are against it.

Geert Wilders, whose supporters are 97% for such a ban, said he will bring it up as a bill if Vogelaar doesn't apply the current laws to support such a ban.

Sources: Adnkronos (English), Nu.nl (Dutch)


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