Kyrgyzstan bans niqab and religious gatherings in public spaces

World
Wed, 5 Feb 2025 9:05 GMT
New law enforces fines for violations in public areas
Kyrgyzstan bans niqab and religious gatherings in public spaces

The Kyrgyz government has officially banned the wearing of the niqab (face veil) in public spaces, along with religious gatherings in state institutions, following a newly approved regulation.

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the legislation is part of a broader religious policy reform and was signed into law by President Sadyr Japarov on January 21. The ban took effect on February 1, 2025.

Fines and Enforcement
The new law imposes a fine of 20,000 Kyrgyzstani Som on:

Women wearing the niqab in public spaces.
Individuals organizing religious gatherings in prisons, detention centers, military bases, nursing homes, and disability care facilities.

Government’s Justification vs. Public Backlash
Kyrgyz lawmakers argue that the law is necessary for security reasons, ensuring that faces remain visible for identification purposes. However, opponents criticize the move, saying it restricts women’s right to choose their attire and infringes on religious freedoms.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between secular policies and religious practices in Kyrgyzstan, a country where Islam plays a significant cultural role.

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