More than 20 countries have banned the use of burqas and other veils that cover women’s faces in public places, citing the protection of secular values (i.e. separation of religion from state), the fight against religious extremism, or even public safety reasons.
Although all veils that cover the face are commonly called “burqas”, there are essentially four types of women’s clothing at issue. The “niqab” is a veil, usually black, that covers the face, leaving only the eyes visible, while the “burqa” has a more complete covering, covering the entire body and face, including a screen for the eyes.
These veils also include the “hijab”, which covers the head, ears and neck, leaving the face free, and the “chador”, which covers most of the body, leaving the face uncovered.
Platform with Lusa
