Italy approves school veil ban

The Italian government has approved a ban on the burqa and niqab in schools, along with a limit on pupils who speak little Italian in any one class.

Thirty percent cap on language learners

A thirty percent cap will be imposed on children without Italian citizenship or poor knowledge of Italian language in the first year of primary, middle and high school.

Meloni frames measures as integration

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the measures as common-sense tools that do not divide but really help to integrate. She said no-one could decide that a young woman should hide herself in the name of tradition.

“You must go to school with your face uncovered”

Education minister defends the policy

Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said the language limit is purely linguistic rather than one of citizenship, and framed the veil ban as a matter of gender equality to avoid ghetto classes.

Opposition accuses government of pandering

Opposition parties accuse the government of pandering to hard-right Futuro Nazionale party policies ahead of a general election next year. The Democratic Party called the plan propaganda and impossible to implement.

Decree takes effect immediately

The measure is a decree law, meaning it can take effect immediately, but must be ratified by parliament within sixty days. Italy already had guidance on Italian language at schools from a two thousand ten ministerial notice.