Denmark approves ‘burqa ban’ on full-face veils in public

Stockholm (dpa),May 31 2018-Lawmakers in Denmark on Thursday approved a ban on the use of full-face veils in public spaces in what is being called a “burqa ban.”   

The ban - carried by a 75-30 vote in the Danish parliament - is due to enter into force on August 1.   
Justice Minister Soren Pape Poulsen welcomed the outcome, and said he was confident the ban would be respected, he told public broadcaster DR.   

It would include full-face veils like the niqab, balaclavas, face-covering ski masks, face masks and fake beards, but not protective masks.   

Other exceptions include winter clothing, such as scarves, and costumes and masks worn for carnival or Halloween.   

A first-time offender could risk a fine of 1,000 kroner.   

Repeat offences would result in a higher fine. A fourth offence and any further violations would be met with a fine of 10,000 kroner, the bill said.   

A French-Algerian businessman, Rachid Nekkaz, has recently said he would offer to pay for fines issued in Denmark as he has done in other countries with similar bans.