Italy’s ruling Brothers of Italy party on Wednesday introduced a bill seeking to ban the wearing of burqas and niqabs in public, framing the measure as part of a wider effort to curb what it describes as “cultural separatism” associated with Islam.

The bill, presented to parliament by lawmakers from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, would prohibit garments covering the face in all public places, schools, universities, shops, and offices nationwide.

The burqa is a full-body garment that covers a woman from head to foot, including a mesh screen over the eyes. The niqab is a veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear.

Violators would face fines of 300 to 3,000 euros ($350-$3,500).

The legislation was aimed at combating “religious radicalisation and religiously-mo

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