More Dutch news: ban on burqa

[Watser?]

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -- The Dutch government, facing re-election next week, said Friday it plans to draw up legislation "as soon as possible" banning the head-to-toe garment known as burqas and other clothing that covers the entire face in public places.

The announcement puts the Netherlands, once considered one of Europe's most welcoming nations for immigrants and asylum seekers, at the forefront of a general European hardening of attitudes toward Muslim minorities.

"The Cabinet finds it undesirable that face-covering clothing -- including the burqa -- is worn in public places for reasons of public order, security and protection of citizens," Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk said in a statement.

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Now this of course would have nothing to do with the elections next week where 3 parties are vying for the anti-immigration legacy of Pim Fortuyn and competing with Verdonks party. Verdonk by the way has been caught in lies to parliament two or three times without any consequences and is also the minister who refused to give Ayaan Hirsi Ali a Dutch passport (after it was found she had lied about how she fled Somalia). IMO Verdonk should have been fired and fired hard a long time ago. But she is the most popular minister around. Race-baiting is all the rage here now.

Oh btw there are less than a 100 women wearing burkas here, most likely less than 50.

[California Tanker]

BBC says 'A couple of dozen.'

Article also says that the legislation would cover other face-hiding appareil, such as dark-visor motorcycle helmets. It does seem to be a bit of an odd move though.

NTM