I've lived in NL for 10 yrs now.
Though I see women in headscarves every day I've never seen a burka.
As Job Cohen said by banning something you imply that i'ts a problem.

By Donaugh | September 15, 2011 8:18 AM

Well imagine my relief! *rolls eyes*

If they put all that wasted breath and energy into REAL problems (ie healthcare), imagine what they could accomplish!

By CW | September 15, 2011 9:24 AM

It is more of drawing attention on the subject and making a stand against possible radicalisation.

By Ali | September 15, 2011 9:44 AM

I seen someone once wearing one.Did it bother me me? Did i get scared and think a terrorists was gonna jump out from beneath it and blow me up? Was i offended at seeing something different from another culture?Well no to them all.Whats the problem Holland?Why are you making a mountain out of a mile hill?So what are we banning next...long hair?Mohawks? perms?

By Jason | September 15, 2011 9:48 AM

Create a low to cover as few as 100 people?

I disagree with this law, but I do see why they are doing it.

A study in the UK and NL asking Islamic people their opinion of gays. 100% said homosexuality was wrong and most said they dislike gays.
This study made me, as a gay man, feel uncomfortable.

How can I trust a group if I KNOW they don't me?

I do NOT dislike Islamic people. Some of my friends and co-workers are Islamic.

However, I must be cautious. Covering your face is a trust issue.

If only all religion would just go away! Then we can easily love each other.

By Darren | September 15, 2011 9:52 AM

I hope they extend the ban to include all full body costumes. Those living statues on Dam Square are pretty irritating.

By Zack | September 15, 2011 10:06 AM

It will be interesting to see the first case thrown out in court, because the Dutch cannot distinguish between a burka and a niqab. Look at any Dutch newspaper today, and they have images of the latter.

By osita | September 15, 2011 12:32 PM

Surely with the multitude of problems this country faces, cabinet would have something better to do than making laws effecting less than 100 ladies.

By craig | September 15, 2011 2:58 PM

I dont see the point. What will they gain banning the burka. They should do some thing which affects all. Like tight immigration, good law, tough measures on law breakers, etc.

By Mayank | September 15, 2011 3:06 PM

Of course it is a problem. In our society we are used to see each others face and we want to be able to keep it that way.

By Tata | September 15, 2011 3:52 PM

Is these are the priorities of Dutch goverment and people??

By Meh | September 15, 2011 3:53 PM

actually, it's 'infer' and Job is simply voicing an opinion, not fact; by banning something, one may also infer that one wants to prevent such from becoming a problem. and, that's called preservation.

By MuddTrumpett | September 15, 2011 4:08 PM

Haarlem: I saw about 2 years ago a couple of these ladies from my balcony, I thought they looked quite provocative! I live in my apartment for more than 8 years now. Whether they were on their way to a fancy dress party, or wearing this attire for religious reasons is of no consequence, worrying or threatening, - so long they do not enter a bank: you never know!
When hell freezes over here I wear a balaclava on my bike to protect my face from the wind chill, so do please come and arrest me and steal 380euros, or, get a life!!!

By The visitor | September 15, 2011 4:55 PM

Bee keeper outfits are a problem, symptom of a deeper problem.

By Janka | September 15, 2011 5:15 PM

I too have live here for about ten years and have seen the burka worn occasionally.Once, the burka did not even have a slit for the eyes! The wearer held onto her husband's arm whilst he pushed the pram! Needless to say, he was wearing western style clothes. It was then that I understood that the burka was an outward manisfestation of slavery and an offence to all freedon loving people, whatever their religion and none.

By tonyt | September 15, 2011 5:18 PM

@Donaugh... should we then wait for something to become a problem like other European countries to ban it?

By Mel | September 15, 2011 6:07 PM

ive been here for 20yrs and never seen one.

By iw | September 15, 2011 6:17 PM

I´ve lived in NL for a year and a half now, and I have already seen a person wearing a burka. A person that cannot be identified it is indeed a problem.

By JF | September 15, 2011 6:45 PM

@ the editor: I must admit that most of the comments on this site are generally well thought out, chosen & more entertaining than the news articles themselves. I kind of get the idea that many of the contributors that post here, would make a better job at governing than the CDA (Christian (HA!) Destructive Authority.)It might be interesting to have an early poll here for some insight to the next election?

[editor's note: a good suggestion. We do run polls when space and the news allows, so will bear the idea in mind.]

By The visitor | September 15, 2011 8:03 PM

@Darren You're conflating 3 issues at least: your being gay, a piece of cllothing, and trust. The third has nothing to do with the first, and if I can accustom myself to being with a gay person, I can surely learn to trust a person whose face is covered. Why not? Your word "issue" allows you to evade rational discourse.

By Husserl | September 16, 2011 10:00 AM

The first thing that rattles around in my brain when I see the full covering is the Rolling Stones song " Be your slave ".
If a woman wants to be so utterly subjugated, let them.

By frank | September 16, 2011 11:35 AM

You cant see the faces of motorcyclists in full helmets .and kids with hoods, This law is plain religious persecution, Christians against Moslem. Spanish Inquisition ?

By JAMES JOYSE | September 17, 2011 12:13 AM

I think religion is one of the worst disease of our society. In theory religious should bring love, respect and comfort to people but instead of that religion is used to control, to perpetuate hate,etc. That's the big issue for me. In a day we keep our religion as a private matter most of these problems will disappear. Particularly I don't feel comfortable in a place where people keep their faces hidden. It can be by a niqab, a chadri , a helmet or a mask. Show your face, show who you are.

By Saul | September 26, 2011 12:31 PM