(Dutch News) The ban on facial coverings in public spaces has been delayed by a month and will now take effect on August 1, home affairs minister Kajsa Ollongren has said.
The so-called “burka ban” will apply in schools, universities, government buildings and on public transport. Anyone who covers their face could be asked to remove the garment and given a €400 fine.
Ollongren said the extension on implementing the law was a response to comments from schools who said it would be difficult to change their procedures during a school year. The ban will now take effect in schools after the summer holidays.
The Senate passed the law last July following more than a decade of political wrangling and a sustained campaign by right-wing parties such as the PVV to curtail Islamic cultural influences.
