Italy is striving to tackle what it describes as “Islamic separatism” and an anti-society influenced by “Sharia law” with a new legislative proposal aimed at addressing religious extremism and foreign influence on mosques.
The Fratelli d’Italia (FdI) party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has put forth a law targeting “Islamic separatism.” This legislation aims to eliminate hate preachers, foreign financing for mosques, and practices such as virginity tests for Muslim brides, child marriage, and arranged marriages, while also considering a ban on the burqa as part of bigger reforms.
Sarah Kelany, an MP with FdI, highlighted the importance of this bill, emphasizing the need to combat “Islamic fundamentalism and religious separatism” in order to protect Western values that prioritize freedom, equality, and human rights.
She mentioned that the division of communities has facilitated the growth of parallel societies in Italy. If approved, the bill aims to counter situations where “Sharia law” prevails over the Italian legal system, creating enclaves where Islamic extremism can flourish.
The legislation notably focuses on the burqa and niqab, garments that cover a woman’s face and body. The rationale is simple: citizens should have the right to know “who they are interacting with” daily, and allowing such attire could be seen as undermining women’s dignity.
The proposed rules would prohibit these garments in public spaces, schools, workplaces, and universities.
Kelany pointed out that women are often oppressed by being made to cover their faces. Another FdI politician remarked that “hiding a woman’s face equates to humiliating her.” While some argue it’s a matter of choice, they question how many women genuinely wish to impose such restrictions on themselves. The left seems, at times, perplexing—concerned about patriarchy one moment, yet silent about suffering caused by such practices.
Further measures in the bill aim to restrict foreign financial support to mosques, drawing attention to concerns about external influences in Italy. It also targets hate preachers spreading messages of racial hatred and promoting “Islamic separatism.”
Notably, the bill addresses forced marriages, which are illegal but remain a concern. It seeks to toughen penalties for those who orchestrate such unions, particularly involving minors. Additionally, the proposal bans virginity tests and the issuance of certificates, making these offenses punishable by imprisonment.
According to the newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano, the bill has garnered support from Matteo Salvini’s coalition, which is pursuing similar initiatives. However, some have expressed skepticism, including an imam in Italy who questions the law’s necessity, given that face coverings are already outlawed under older anti-terrorism laws.
Although a nationwide ban on religious concealment doesn’t exist, various local governments have enacted city-wide restrictions this century, utilizing existing laws for enforcement. Lombardy, for example, prohibited Islamic cloaks in 2015, citing safety concerns amid a wave of terror incidents in Europe.
Some cities have attempted to restrict Islamic headgear dating back to 2004. The situation in France serves as a prominent example, where not only the burqa but also Islamic swimwear faced restrictions, igniting years of intense debate over balancing secularism and the Islamic community, particularly significant given France’s sizable Muslim population.
