Georgia bans women's Islamic dress code

Tbilisi. 26 December. REPORT.AZ/ The bill on the ban of veil, niqab and burka in public places was discussed at the Committee on Human Rights and Civil Integration of the Georgian Parliament.

Georgian bureau of Report informs that Emzar Kvitsiani, Member of Parliament from the Patriot Alliance's party, said it hinders identification and threatens with terrorism. MP Anri Okhanashvili said he supports the discussion of the draft law in a wider format.

Parliamentary member, oppositional European party representative Sergo Ratiani said the proposed bill limits human rights, freedom of expression and belief.

Sheikh of Georgian Muslim Board Haji Ramin Yigitov said he positively assesses the removal of the ban on veil in public places from the bill: “As for the niqab and burqa, we cannot say that they are obligatory in Islam. In Islam, hijab is the requirement of covering or veiling the entire body with the exception of the face and hands. It cannot be tight, colorful and attractive as well as transparent."

According to the bill, it is planned to apply a fine of GEL 500 (188 dollars) for the use of niqab and burqa in parks, public transport and other public places, and GEL 1500 ($ 563) for repeated use.

A ban on dress code will not apply to employees of diplomatic missions accredited in Georgia.