St. Martin's Courier #13

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What is it? A Burqa covers the entire body, from the head to the ground. With only a mesh screen allowing the wearer to see in front of her. It is worn by Islamic women. The colour of a burqa is mostly black. You also have a Nigab, which is a face veil that leaves the eyes uncovered. Why do Islamic women wear a burqa? The reasons why woman wear veils of all kinds vary widely and take in influences from culture, fashion as well as religion. Some women wear it because they strongly believe it is their religious obligation. The Quran also tells: ‘cover and be modest’ but the Quran does not explicitly say you have to cover yourself in this manner. There is also a possibility that some husbands would tell their wives ‘please wear a nigab or burqa, I don’t want any other man to see you.’ Some women also may be pressured into covering themselves or they wear it for religious reasons. So there are a lot of reasons why woman wear a burqa or nigab. Burqa ban There are a lot of countries that have a burqa ban; France: France was in 2011 the first European country with a burqa ban. It was introduced by president Nicolas Sarkozy. Wearing a niqab is also forbidden in France. If you wear a burqa you get a fine of 150 euros.

Belgium: also Belgium has since 2011 a burqa ban. In the event of violation, a penalty of seven days in jail or a fine is possible. Switzerland: A burqa ban is also in Switzerland, but only in the southern canton of Ticino. The fines for violations can amount to not less than 9,200 euros. Before the end of 2019, a referendum will vote on the introduction of a ban on burqa throughout the country. Austria: a burqa ban has been in force in Austria since 2017. There is a fine of 150 euros for violation. Australia: In 2017, Australian senator Pauline Hanson caused a stir when she appeared in burqa in parliament. Hanson sat in her seat with the burqa for about 20 minutes, then pulled it out and argued for the ban on burqa for the sake of the national security. “if a person in a balaclava or helmet goes into a couch or even a courtroom, they have to take it off,” she explained. “Why does this not apply to someone who conceals her entire face and therefore can’t be identified.” Morocco: Surprised reactions where heard here and there when Morocco suddenly decided in January last year to ban the production and sale of burqas. Also advertisements in which the Islamic robe can be seen were banned. For security reason, Moroccan authorities reported. Continued on page 3 >> 1


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