Catalunya Burkha ban to include balaclavas and motorcycle helmets 'for public safety reasons
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 12:47 PM
CATALUNYA'S regional government has announced plans to restrict people from wearing headgear which covers their faces in public areas – but has included balaclavas and motorcycle helmets in the description so as not to face uproar over religious discrimination.
Although the ban is mainly aimed at the Burkha, given the high population of Muslims in the region, it is purely a public safety issue, says regional minister for the interior, Ramón Espadaler.
Balaclavas are less common, but will also be regulated.
They are more likely to be worn when committing crimes, to avoid identification.
Bike helmets will also have to be removed when entering public buildings, such as shops and offices, since they preclude the wearer from being identified.
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