The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has developed a draft law prohibiting women from wearing the niqab, and men from growing beards. The authors explain that the draft law does not prohibit head-covering scarves, i.e., hijabs, but specifically the black niqab, which covers the face. They also state that men will only be prohibited from having large, long, and thick […]
The Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has developed a draft law prohibiting women from wearing the niqab, and men from growing beards.
The authors explain that the draft law does not prohibit head-covering scarves, i.e., hijabs, but specifically the black niqab, which covers the face. They also state that men will only be prohibited from having large, long, and thick beards.
The draft law has sparked heated debates among the public in Kyrgyzstan.
Critics of the draft law argue that there are already many social problems in the country that require immediate solutions, and that such issues should be prioritized. They assert that the authorities should not interfere in the clothing choices of residents.
The draft law was submitted for consideration on November 14. It stipulates a fine of 22 US dollars or 30 hours of community service for violators, with a repeat offense resulting in a fine of 44 US dollars or 40 hours of community service.
Deputies claim that these measures are necessary to ensure “public safety” and to facilitate “identification of individuals.” They argue that face-covering niqabs and large, long, and thick beards hinder the work of law enforcement agencies.
Previously, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also banned the wearing of hijabs and scarves by women in government institutions, and prohibited men from wearing beards.
Since 2008-2009, the authorities in Tajikistan have launched a large-scale campaign against religiosity, specifically banning hijabs for women and beards for men. Subsequently, the authorities intensified their crackdown. This included the closure of hundreds of mosques and dozens of religious educational institutions. Young people under 18 were prohibited from visiting mosques. Individuals under 40 were banned from performing the Hajj. As a result, dozens of young people were fined or imprisoned on fabricated charges simply for wearing beards, and hundreds of women were dismissed from schools and universities for wearing hijabs.