Dutch burka ban under fire from critics

AMSTERDAM/ THE HAGUE

The ban on full-face covers, including Muslim burka, is under fire from critics in the Netherlands.

Rabbi Lody Van de Kamp told Anadolu Agency that the ban will marginalize Muslims even more in an already polarized Dutch society.

"The government, with this ban, underlines the linkage of Islam with terror and threat, which is a hoax.

"The polarization is so strong in the Netherlands that the burka ban may cause extremism and racist acts. This extremism will become a norm," Van de Kamp said.

He added that the ban reminds him of attacks against freedom of expression and religious practices in World War II.

"Was history removed from the curriculum in the country?" Van de Kamp asked.

Academic Erwin Sengers, who lectures at several Dutch universities, said he is ashamed of Dutch people who want to implement the burka ban.

Sengers said the people in the Netherlands demand tolerance for any kind of diversity, however do not show tolerance to few women who choose to wear burka.

"Selective tolerance is not called tolerance," Sengers said.

He said until today a burka wearing woman never took part in an act which caused problem in the Netherlands.

Last year, Sengers had worn a snow mask at a graduation ceremony in order to protest a possible burka ban.

Covering one’s face with a cloth, a mask, or a helmet inside education, healthcare and government venues, and on public transport is now prohibited, the Dutch Interior Ministry said on Thursday.

It said staff should ask such people to reveal their faces or else leave the premises, and if they fail to comply the police could get involved and the person could face a fine.

According to Dutch media, violating the ban could trigger a fine of at least €150 ($165).

Algemeen Dagblad, a prominent Dutch daily, reported on Wednesday that under Article 53 of the Dutch Criminal Code, people bothered by a woman wearing a burka in such places will have the right to intercede verbally or physically.

Both Amnesty International and the Dutch Council of State have come out against the ban, saying that it restricts religious freedom.

Estimates say some 150 women in the Netherlands currently wear burkas.

* Writing by Fatih Hafiz Mehmet.