The Danish government is adding the finishing touches on a bill that would ban face-covering garb in public places, colloquially called the “burqa ban.” Justice Minister Pape Poulsen of the Conservative Party said in a press-release that the practice of concealing one’s face went against the grain of Danish society.

While the Danish government previously considered punishing defiant burqa wearers with a prison sentence of up to three months, a fine of up to DKK 10,000 ($1,670) has been proposed instead.

In addition to the burqa, the bill, formally known as the “covering ban” includes other Islamic garments, such as the niqab. By contrast, exceptions will be made for fancy outfits, like Halloween masks, or hoods and other types of clothing that protect from the winter cold.

Read more