Kyrgyzstan proposes fining women for wearing niqabs and burqas

Kyrgyzstan plans to impose a $230 fine on women who wear the niqab, a face veil worn by some Muslim women, in public places and government buildings.

Kyrgyzstan’s parliament is currently debating a draft law on freedom of religion and religious associations, as reported by the 24.kg news agency. Among the proposed amendments is a fine of approximately $230 for wearing the niqab in public spaces.

Lawmakers argue that religious clothing hinders the ability to properly identify individuals in government agencies and public places. However, MP Dastan Bekeshev called the fine unaffordable for many Kyrgyz women.

«For hiding your face by wearing a niqab or burqa (a veil that covers the entire body and face), the fine is 20,000 soms. The niqab is mainly worn by women from socially vulnerable groups. I have met very few women with good incomes and education who wear the niqab,» he said.

The State Commission on Religious Affairs was previously asked to remove the provision banning the wearing of niqabs in public places from the draft law, as it was seen as contradicting democratic principles. However, the proposal was rejected and the draft law will proceed to the second reading in parliament.

In March, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev criticized the wearing of the hijab, a headscarf worn by some Muslim women, and called for greater attention to the situation of women in families facing «absurd bans.»

Last year, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture stated that banning the wearing of burqas and niqabs in public places was necessary because such attire «prevents the police from identifying individuals,» «alarms» certain citizens and «frightens» children.