Italy plans to ban the burqa and face masks in schools.

Italy plans to ban the burqa and face masks in schools.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced plans to ban the wearing of burqas and niqabs in the country's schools and to limit the number of foreign students in classrooms.
Meloni stated that Italian language classes would be made mandatory for the parents of foreign students who face significant difficulties adapting to the school system. She emphasized that those wishing to live and build a future in Italy must know the country's language, culture, and rules.
Currently, there is no direct ban on burqas and niqabs in Italy. A 1975 law restricts the use of clothing that hinders personal identification. A 2008 court ruling established that while fully covering the face for religious or cultural reasons is permitted, the face must be uncovered when identification is required.
Meloni also announced the introduction of a legal limit on the number of foreign students in classrooms. However, such a restriction already exists in Italy, stipulating that the proportion of foreign students must not exceed 30 percent.
Once approved by the government, the proposed changes must be ratified by parliament within 60 days to become law.