Italian mayor fights terror threat with ban on Muslim veils

[emad]

From Telegraph
By Bruce Johnston in Azzano Decimo
(Filed: 07/08/2004)

SNIP
The mayor of a thriving town in northern Italy has banned the wearing of face-concealing veils by Muslims. It is believed to be the first time such a step has been taken in Europe.

Officially, Enzo Bortolotti has merely forbidden the concealment of people's faces in the town of Azzano Decimo (population 13,000), for reasons of "public safety" in the light of the international terrorism threat.

The ban technically includes the wearing of a motorcycle helmet when not riding. But there is little doubt that the real purpose of the mayor, who is a member of the xenophobic Northern League, is to strike at a symbol of an "alien culture" now taking root in his wealthy town.

Azzano Decimo has a small but rapidly growing immigrant population from South Asia and North Africa. The mayor openly states that he sees this as a threat to local traditions.

More:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/08/07/wveil07.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/08/07/ixworld.html

But will they also ban Catholic women from wearing lace mantillas in Church? would seem fair thing to do...

Edit:
Al-Qaeda threat to attack Italy:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/3543932.stm

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Equating all Muslims with terrorists

is like equating all Italians with the Mafia. Many Italian-Americans have had to fight that stereotype for years.

[emad]

2. Personally, Al-Qaeda = BFEE tentacle, dressed up as Wahhabist

insurgents.

Organised crime has infiltrated power structures of all religions.

BFEE at heart of organised crime power base. Their rent boys merely flags of convenience.

[DemOverseas]

3. Have you been in church lately??

<But will they also ban Catholic women from wearing lace mantillas in Church? would seem fair thing to do...>

What century are you living in???

[emad]

4. Ever tried to hear Mass in an Italian church without one? They

promptly give you the order of the boot.

Just about every woman in Rome, Milan, Turin etc has her head covered up that way for Mass.

[DemOverseas]

5. Yea right........

I live in Messina and not even the old bags use these things......

[SheilaT]

6. While I don't think I support

this ban, there really is a huge difference between wearing a head scarf or lace mantilla, and having one's entire face covered.

[smirkymonkey]

7. Is he banning them for Muslim religious services?

If not, then the veil comparison would not be legitimate. There is a difference between a tradition that is followed in religious services and a mandate that a woman can not defy for fear of punishment.

[cap]

8. on the other hand, many Muslims are fighting the veil themselves

they dont want to wear certain styles while driving or crossing the street. Many do see it as a tribal cultural thing and not a Muslim one.