DAR AL HARB - NETHERLANDS: BAN BURQA, DON'T BAN THE BURQA, THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT IS SPLIT

Burqa Ban Issue Divides Brand-New Government

THE HAGUE, 24/02/07 - The Christian democrats (CDA) are surprised by a statement by Integration Minister Ella Vogelaar on the burqa. She does not consider it a problem if women wear this face-covering garment on the street.

In the previous cabinet period, the CDA supported a motion to ban wearing burqas in public. The coalition accord between CDA, Labour (PvdA) and small Christian party ChristenUnie also suggests the introduction of the ban, stating that "face-obscuring clothing may be banned for the protection of public order and security".

Vogelaar said in a TV programme Thursday evening that she has no problem with wearing a burqa on the street. The face-covering clothing is only undesirable in public functions or jobs where human contact is important, she stated.

CDA MPs Mirjam Sterk and Wim van de Camp want an explanation from the PvdA minister. She should stick to the coalition accord just like all other ministers, suggested the CDA.

Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders now plans to introduce his own bill to ban wearing the burqa in public. He pointed out Friday that a Lower House majority has twice pressed the cabinet in a motion put forward by his party to impose a general burqa ban in public spaces.

The conservatives (VVD) also attacked Vogelaar. VVD MP Henk Kamp, the former Defence Minister, made it clear that his party supported and still support a general burqa ban.

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Pertinent Links:

1) Burqa Ban Issue Divides Brand-New Government