Finnish coalition partner calls for burka ban in public places

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Right-wing Finns Party, one of Finland’s ruling coalition partners, called for ban on burka in public places, a Muslim women's veil that covers the entire body from head to toe, local media reported on Friday.

A proposal by 14 lawmakers of the party would mean a ban on the wearing in public of the burka and niqab, the public broadcaster YLE reported.

Of the lawmakers, Ari Koponen argued that wearing of the coverings is a social custom and norm that is "not appropriate" in Finnish society.

Commenting on the development, Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, also with Finns Party, stressed she supported the proposal both because of security concerns and on the grounds of defending women's rights.

However, she added that she does not believe the initiative will pass into law during this parliamentary term, as there is no mention of such a ban in the current coalition's program for government.

"I could imagine that this might not be acceptable to other government partners," said Rantanen.