A new bill aimed at banning the wearing of burqas and paranja in public places in Kazakhstan has been adopted by the parliament. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The law was approved in the second reading by the lower house of the Majlis on December 3 and is now expected to be reviewed by the Senate. If the document is also approved by the Senate, it may be signed by the head of state, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
According to the law, a person wearing face-covering clothing in public places will be warned for the first time. If this occurs again, a fine of 40,000 tenge (approximately 80 dollars), equivalent to 10 monthly calculation indices, will be imposed.
The main purpose of these measures is to restrict face covering in public places and to ensure open communication among people. The law also envisages amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses.
It also addresses the issue of banning compulsory clothing for religious or political purposes. The burqa is included among these prohibited garments.
The issue of banning the burqa in Kazakhstan has been discussed for several years. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated in March 2024 that the burqa is forcibly worn on women by individuals with radical and extremist views.
According to him, this clothing does not align with Kazakhstan's traditional values. Additionally, in October 2023, a law was adopted in Uzbekistan imposing administrative fines for face-covering clothing.
Similar measures are being taken in both countries in this regard.
