Orlando slams Lombardy burqa ban

(ANSA) - Varese, December 10 - Justice Minister Andrea Orlando on Thursday slammed new regulations in Lombardy banning people with covered faces - such as women in burqas - from hospitals and regional offices. "Given that we have a law (on the matter), one does not perceive the need to invent new ones that appear to be of symbolic propaganda flavor," Orlando said. Current law bans the use of helmets "or any other means of making identification difficult" - including clothing - in public without a justifiable motive.
    Infractions are punishable with up two years in prison and fines up to 2,000 euros.
    "The law on concealment of identity exists, and should be applied," the minister said.
    "Right now the last thing we need is to wave symbols about and make propaganda - a domain in which the Islamist extremists are unbeatable," Orlando continued. The right response is to guarantee public safety and make sure the laws of the land are respected, the minister said.