Italy's ruling Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d'Italia) party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has proposed new legislation aimed at banning the wearing of the burqa and niqab in all public spaces across the country. The bill, introduced to parliament on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, also includes provisions for financial transparency for religious organizations lacking formal agreements with the Italian state.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The proposed law seeks to prohibit garments that cover the face in various public areas, including schools, universities, shops, offices, and government buildings. Violators of the ban could face significant fines, ranging from €300 to €3,000. The introductory text of the bill states its aim is to counter 'religious radicalisation and religiously motivated hatred' and combat 'cultural separatism' linked to Islam.
Beyond face coverings, the legislation introduces stringent financial transparency measures. Religious organizations that do not hold formal agreements with the Italian state would be required to disclose all funding sources. Currently, no Muslim organizations in Italy possess such recognition, unlike 13 other religious groups. This provision means Islamic associations would need to ensure their financing poses 'no threat to state security.'
The bill further addresses other social issues, proposing to strengthen penalties for forced marriages and introducing new criminal provisions against virginity testing.
Context and Precedents
Italy already has a law, dating back to 1975, that prohibits complete face coverings in public for security reasons, though it does not explicitly mention the burqa or niqab. Some Italian regions, such as Lombardy, Liguria, and Veneto, have already implemented their own restrictions on face coverings in public buildings and institutions. The new bill aims to extend these rules nationwide.
The move by the Brothers of Italy party aligns with similar measures taken in other European countries. France was the first European nation to impose a complete public ban on burqas in 2011, with countries like Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Netherlands following suit. The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly upheld such bans, citing the need to protect 'living together' and public cohesion.
Political Landscape and Future Steps
The Brothers of Italy party, a key component of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's coalition government, holds a strong majority in parliament, which increases the likelihood of the legislation receiving support. Earlier this year, the League, another coalition partner, had also suggested a more limited ban on face coverings. While the bill has been presented, there is currently no set schedule for its parliamentary debate.
5 Comments
KittyKat
Blatant discrimination targeting one specific faith.
Eugene Alta
The goal of countering 'cultural separatism' is understandable for a unified society. However, a ban on religious dress could inadvertently create more resentment and division, making it harder for people to feel fully accepted within the national identity.
Noir Black
This helps integration and protects women's rights.
eliphas
Finally, some leadership to protect Italian values.
paracelsus
Italy already has a law against face coverings for security, so expanding it nationwide might seem logical. But explicitly naming and targeting specific religious garments could be perceived as discriminatory, rather than a neutral security measure.