The Netherlands is likely to become the first country in Europe to ban the burka, under government proposals that would bring in some of the toughest curbs on Muslim clothing in the world.
The country’s hardline Integration Minister, Rita Verdonk, known as the Iron Lady for her series of tough anti-immigration measures, told Parliament that she was going to investigate where and when the burka should be banned. Mrs Verdonk gave warning that the “time of cosy tea-drinking” with Muslim groups had passed.
The proposals are likely to win the support of Parliament because of the expected backing by right-wing parties. But they have caused outrage among Muslim and human rights groups, who say that the Government is pandering to the far Right.
See the comment by Yusuf Smith, who points out the misapplication of the term “burka” to any form of Islamic veil – which is in fact what Verdonk is proposing to ban. He also takes on the raving Islamophobes at Harry’s Place. And he introduces us to the term “jafi“, which I think should enjoy wider currency.