Angela Merkel's remarks today come a week after Dutch MPs voted to ban the full-face Islamic burka in some public places, such as schools and hospitals and on public transport.
Here is the status of the garment in European countries:
Britain
There is no law restricting the wearing of garments for religious reasons. However in March 2007 the education ministry published directives allowing directors of public establishments and denominational schools to ban the niqab veil. Judges have on occasion refused to hear veiled women because they could not verify their identity.
Netherlands
The legislation, which has passed the lower house and now has to be approved by the Senate, bans the wearing of burkas, helmets and face masks on public transport as well as education, healthcare and government buildings.
The bill was proposed by Interior Minister Ronald Plasterk last year, as he believed clothing that covered the face hindered communication in public services and could pose a security threat. Violations could result in a fine of up to 410 euros.
Germany
Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere has proposed a partial burka ban. De Maiziere, one of Merkel's closest allies, said the ban would cover 'places where it is necessary for our society's coexistence' including government offices, schools and universities, courtrooms as well as demonstrations. Earlier this year, several French towns sought to ban burkinis, the full-body Islamic swimsuit. The move was successfully challenged in all but one case on the island of Corsica (file picture)
Earlier this year, several French towns sought to ban burkinis, the full-body Islamic swimsuit. The move was successfully challenged in all but one case on the island of Corsica (file picture)
France
The first European country to ban the full-veil in public spaces with a law 'banning the hiding of the face in public spaces', with a law that took effect in April 2011.
The European Court of Human Rights upheld the burka ban in 2014, rejecting arguments that outlawing full-face veils breached religious freedom. The law has resulted in around 1,500 arrests in the past five years, and violations can result in fines of up to 150 euros.
Earlier this year, several French towns sought to ban burkinis, the full-body Islamic swimsuit. The move was successfully challenged in all but one case on the island of Corsica.
Belgium
The wearing of the full veil is governed by a June 1, 2011 law. It prohibits 'appearing in places accessible to the public with a face masked or hidden, in whole or in part, in such a way as to be unidentifiable'. Exceptions exist, in particular where the workplace requires the face to be hidden, or for the carnival season. Violations can result in fines and/or up to seven days in jail.
Bulgaria
In September, Bulgarian lawmakers approved a law that bans wearing in public clothing that partially or completely covers the face, with exceptions for health or professional reasons. Initial violations result in a fine of roughly 100 euros, while subsequent violations are fined the equivalent of 750 euros.
Italy
There is currently a debate over a 1975 law aimed at protecting public order that makes it illegal to cover one's face in public places and the provision applies to the veil, as well as motorcycle helmets and other masks. The anti-immigrant Northern League presented in October a draft law in the Lombardy region around Milan that would ban the burka, niqab and burkini.
Switzerland
Switzerland's lower house narrowly approved in September a draft bill on a nationwide burka ban, but the measure remains far from becoming law. In the southern Tessin region however, the burka has been forbidden since July 1 and violators face a minimum fine of 100 Swiss francs.
Norway
Education Minister Torbjorn Roe Isaksen said in October that the government was seeking regulations prohibiting the full-face veil in schools and universities. Scandinavian neighbours such as Denmark and Sweden have allowed schools, administrations and companies to decide the issue for themselves, while there is no ban in Finland.
Others
Three other countries that have not banned the burka are among those closest to the Middle East or North Africa; Greece, Portugal and Spain.
Well, according to her damnable definitions—she’s a racist. Besides just a plain old traitor to Germany.
Merkel needs to strung up...
I have no problem if she wants to wear one. In fact, I would prefer it.
She’s setting up for next election. Hopefully German people are smarter than to elect her again.
I’m sure if has nothing to do with the fact that she running for reelection.
Angela finally sees which way the wind is blowing, but she’s a day late and a D-Mark short.
Prepare for the royal smackdown that your pal obama just got. You deserve it.
Funny how she has changed her tune. This is the same idiot that opened the borders to thousands of muzzies. Who have raped, pillaged, looted and trashed Germany.
Now she wants to ban burkas?
Too little too late.
She pulling a McCain...cause it’s ELECTION TIME!
Let’s see... Muslim women are covering up in public...Muslim men are raping German women...
Of course, the fashion foible takes precedent.
Another Golbalist trying to redeem their political office.
I don't believe that she can hold on until elections unless she changes her outspoken perspective
and like Boehner, once re-elected she will go back to same-ole/ same-ole !
After all, she is a Communist/Facist at heart !
Merkel thinks that Islamic culture is compatible with Western culture if only some of the more outlandish trappings were simply suppressed. Sorry. Its more than the dress and the chants. Merkel has made a monumental, catastrophic error allowing unrestricted migrations into the EU. However this is nothing new. Bismarck, the Kaiser, Hitler, Merkel. The Germans make a catastrophic strategic blunder almostevery generation.
It’s Election Time Merkel will say and do any to win
Sure, go after the clothes and not the sick culture. Nuns aren’t blowing everyone up just because they cover up
I do not agree on the grounds that this is superficial (and also only targets women).
There are MANY other more important issues which keep Muslim immigrants form fully assimilating into German (and Western) countries.
By focusing on the burka, we are sweeping these other issues under the rug. Plus, it is not usually immigrant women who e cause the most problems. This is putting them in a position where they will be even further pushed into never being able to go out.
In short, it is not the piece of cloth that is the problem. The Chancellor is essentially hiding behind the veil so as not to have to confront the real issues.
Good luck with all that.
Wow. The great armies and powers of Europe have unleashed their fury at the foreign invaders who are decimating their countries. They have decided to demand they wear appropriate clothing as they kill Europeans