Recently, Sri Lanka banned wearing any face coverings that may “hinder the identification of individuals in a way that threatens national security”.

But many human right groups and other religious groups are against the ban that was put up by the president of Sri Lanka, especially because some Muslim Woman are obliged to wear the Burqa and Niqab as part of their religious practices.

But, Sri Lanka is not the first country to put up the ban, which country has the same ban?

Here is the complete list of Countries that have placed a ban on Face Coverings:

Algeria: In October 2018, the country placed a ban on face coverings in workplaces.

Chad, Republic of Congo, Gabon, and the Northern Area of Cameroon: The following countries have placed a ban on face coverings, which means you are not allowed to wear them in public areas.

The Xinjiang Region of China: Even the world’s most populated country has placed the ban, the region of Xinjiang bans anyone from wearing veils in public areas and does not allow men to have long beards.                

France: the first country in Europe to place the ban on face coverings which include the Burqa and Niqab, the ban was placed in 2011. But, in 2014, the ban was upheld by the European Court of Human Rights.

Denmark: In August 2018, a law was introduced in the country that says “anyone who wears a garment that hides the face in public” will be asked to pay 1000 Krones, which is equivalent to $157 USD. If a person commits the crime again, they will be asked to pay 10 times higher.

Netherlands: In June 2018, the country passed a law that banned any face coverings in schools, public transports, and hospitals. The ban does not apply on the streets.

Germany: In Germany, a person is not allowed to drive a car while wearing face coverings such as the Burqa and Niqab. The country also requires a woman who wears a full-face veil to uncover their faces for identification purposes.

Austria: In October 2017, Austria placed a ban on face coverings in public places such as schools and courts.

Belgium: In July 2011, the country placed a ban on face coverings, their law bans anything that stops someone to identify someone in areas like parks and on their streets.

Norway: In June 2018, the country placed a ban on face coverings from being worn at schools, colleges, and universities.

Bulgaria: In 2016, the parliament of Bulgaria passed a bill that bans and fines anyone who wears face coverings in any public places.

Luxembourg: In Luxembourg, you are not allowed to wear any face coverings in public places like buildings, hospitals, and courts.

Italy: In Italy, there are many towns who have placed a ban on face coverings. The ban was placed in 2010.

Spain: In 2010, Barcelona placed a ban on face coverings in places like Libraries, Public Markets, and Municipal Offices.

Switzerland: In some regions of the country, a person is not allowed to wear face coverings.