Italy plans school ban on burqas and niqabs
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says her government will soon propose measures to ban burqas and niqabs in schools and limit the number of foreign students in classrooms, as part of a broader push to strengthen integration and the use of the Italian language.
Speaking Sunday at the national festival of Gioventu Nazionale, the youth wing of her Brothers of Italy party, Meloni said the planned measures would also introduce compulsory Italian-language lessons for parents of foreign students facing serious difficulties integrating into the school system.
“For us, anyone who comes to Italy and wants to build their future here must learn our language, understand our culture, and respect our rules,” Meloni said, receiving a standing ovation from supporters.
Hijab not mentioned in proposal
Meloni specifically referred to restrictions on the burqa and niqab, garments worn by some Muslim women that cover most or all of the face. She did not mention the hijab, which covers the hair but leaves the face visible.
The proposal therefore does not, based on Meloni’s remarks, amount to a general ban on Muslim headscarves in schools.
Measures require parliamentary approval
The planned measures would first have to be approved by the government before being submitted to Parliament. Under the procedure described, Parliament would have 60 days to approve the measure for it to become law.
The proposal comes as Meloni's government continues to place migration, integration and national identity at the center of its political agenda.
Migration remains key government issue
Meloni has maintained a hard-line position on migration since taking office, while her government has also sought to strengthen its position within the European political establishment.
The latest proposals come ahead of Italy's next general election and alongside other measures promoted by Meloni's administration.
Earlier this month, Meloni's government became Italy's longest-serving uninterrupted administration since the end of World War II.
Source:DailySabah
