A law that prohibits clothing that “covers the face” from being worn in a variety of public spaces, such as schools, hospitals, public buildings and public transport, came into effect in the Netherlands on Thursday.
Authorities are now required to tell people to show their faces. If someone refuses, they can be denied access to public areas, and face fines of up to €150 ($167).
The ban also applies to full-face helmets or balaclavas.
Attempts to enforce the new law have already been met with disapproval as several cities as well as hospitals, public transport operators and even police said that they would not be sticking to it.
Read more: Kerala Body’s Veil Ban Reignites Debate on Muslim Women’s Rights and Beliefs
Similar restrictions across Europe
France was the first country in Europe to ban the veil almost ten years ago. However, a UN committee last year ruled the legislation to be violating human rights.
Several other countries have since followed suit. In Denmark, the burqa ban has been in effect for a year despite severe opposition.
Earlier this year Austria passed a law intended to ban Muslim girls from wearing headscarves in primary schools. The headscarf ruling came in addition to Austria’s prohibition of full-face coverings which has been in force since 2017.
The German state of Hesse has implemented similar burqa restrictions for the civil service.
Six months ago, full-face coverings were forbidden at Kiel University in the north of Germany, citing the need for open communication that includes facial expressions and gestures. However, some politicians came out against the move, saying it undermined religious freedom.
This article was originally published on Deutsche Welle.