Dutch Caretaker Government Proposes Nationwide Ban on Face Coverings at Protests

New Legislation Aims to Enhance Public Order During Demonstrations

The Netherlands' caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof, on Friday, December 19, 2025, finalized a draft bill proposing a nationwide ban on face-covering clothing during public demonstrations. This move follows a request from a parliamentary majority and is intended to address concerns regarding public order and safety during protests.

Caretaker Justice Minister Foort van Oosten articulated the government's rationale, stating, 'We have, in my view, too often seen demonstrations being misused for vandalism or violence against the police.' He added that the measure aims to ensure law-abiding demonstrators are not discouraged from participating.

Key Provisions and Penalties

The proposed legislation outlines significant consequences for non-compliance. Violating the ban on face-covering clothing could result in a prison sentence of up to two months or a fine of up to €5,150 (approximately $6,038).

However, the draft bill also includes specific exemptions. Demonstrators who have valid reasons to conceal their identity, such as protesters at embassies who might face reprisals in their country of origin, would be exempt from the ban.

Beyond face coverings, the proposal encompasses a broader review of protest regulations. This includes the introduction of separate criminal offenses for actions such as:

• Damaging cultural heritage sites
• Blocking highways or railway tracks

The government also indicated that riot police have been authorized to assess the necessity of additional equipment or armament.

Consultation Process and Broader Context

The draft amendment to the Public Assemblies Act will now undergo a consultation phase. This process will involve various stakeholders, including:

• The police
• The Public Prosecution Service
• The judiciary
• Lawyers' associations
• The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to submit feedback through the government's online consultation platform in the coming weeks.

This proposal builds upon an existing partial ban on face coverings, often referred to as the 'burqa ban,' which has been in effect since 2019. This earlier legislation prohibits face coverings in specific public spaces such as public transport, healthcare, educational institutions, and government buildings.

Expert Concerns and Human Rights Warnings

The government's initiative comes despite findings from a study commissioned by its own WODC research center. This research concluded that there is no need to alter the law on the right to protest, emphasizing that the vast majority of demonstrations proceed peacefully. Officials interviewed for this study also expressed that a specific ban on face coverings at protests was unnecessary, as existing local measures provide sufficient scope for intervention when required.

Furthermore, the Dutch human rights monitor, College voor de Rechten van de Mens, issued a warning in September that the government's legislative proposals could potentially restrict the right to demonstrate.