THE MUNICIPALITY IN THE BULGARIAN TOWN OF PAZARDZHIK BANNED BURQA IN PUBLIC PLACES

On 27th of April, the municipal council in the South Bulgarian town of Pazardzhik adopted a ban on wearing burqa. The ban is introduced after the local municipal council passed amendments to the Ordinance on Public Order. The decision was supported by the votes of 39 councilors. Only 2 voted against.

The ban prohibits wearing of burqas in public and government buildings as well as in public places. The ban will come into force in a week. The ordinance says that the ban applies to wearing in public of clothing and accessories that conceal the face and prevent identification. Exceptions are allowed only in prayer homes or when the face is covered for health reasons.

Failure to comply with the ban will be fined. The fine is 300 BGN for a first offence and 1,000 BGN in case of a second offence.