Forlì councilor proposes ban on full-face coverings in public offices

Paolo Farneti, a city councilor for Fratelli d'Italia in Forlì, has submitted a motion to the City Council seeking to prohibit access to municipal offices and public spaces with the face fully covered, specifically referencing the burka and niqab.

The motion cites existing legislation regarding the prohibition of items that make person identification difficult in public places, unless there is a justified reason. Farneti argues that ensuring citizen security and the ability to identify individuals in public spaces are matters of general interest and collective protection.

The proposal specifies that the ban is intended to target facial coverage that prevents or complicates identification, rather than religious clothing itself. It emphasizes that religious symbols and attire are permitted as long as they do not impede identification. Furthermore, the motion requests that if identity verification is necessary for a person with a covered face, it must be conducted with respect for dignity and, if required, in a private setting to protect privacy.