Slovenia proposes ban on face coverings in public spaces

The Slovenian government is drafting amendments to the Law on the Protection of Public Order and Peace, which include a ban on covering faces in public in a manner that prevents facial recognition. The measure is intended to assist police in identifying individuals.

The draft law specifies that the rule will not apply to specific types of clothing, religious symbols, or personal circumstances. Exceptions are provided for health or professional reasons, as well as for sports, artistic, cultural, or traditional activities. Violators could face fines ranging from 100 to 200 euros.

The legislative process was initiated following a proposal by the coalition party ‘Istina’ to hold a referendum on the issue. While the referendum request concerns a general ban, parliamentary representatives have focused discussions on burkas, arguing that restrictions are necessary to ensure immigrants adapt to Slovenian lifestyle and to prevent social subordination.