Kyrgyzstan approves a bill imposing a US$230 fine on women who wear the niqab, a face veil worn by some Muslim women, in public places and government buildings.

Kyrgyz media reports say Kyrgyzstan’s parliament has enhanced a draft law on freedom of religion and religious associations.

According to Fergana, among the proposed amendments is a fine of approximately $230 for wearing the niqab in public spaces.

Lawmakers argue that religious clothing hinders the ability to properly identify individuals in government agencies and public places.

Here the key restrictions in the draft laws:

1.     Full facial covering prohibited -- wearing a niqab, hijab, or burqa is forbidden in government offices and public spaces, except for medical reasons, work or sports activities, and cultural or social events.

2.     Inviting religious figures -- religious leaders cannot be invited to conduct events in nursing homes, correctional facilities, or the Armed Forces without approval from authorized bodies.

3.     Religious-based political activities -- establishing political parties on a religious basis and using religious themes in campaign materials are banned.

4.     Distribution of religious materials -- religious literature and materials cannot be distributed in public spaces, government and municipal institutions, or educational organizations, except for religious facilities.

5.     Discrimination based on religion -- prohibited both offline and online.

6.   Unauthorized religious activities -- religious activities or the use of religious facilities without proper registration are not allowed.

Regulation of Religious Education Abroad:

The draft law requires citizens seeking religious education abroad to obtain approval from the State Commission on Religious Affairs and the central governing body of their religious organization.

Additional Restrictions:

• Door-to-door religious proselytism is banned, except within religious facilities and educational institutions.
• Import, production, and distribution of materials promoting extremist activities are prohibited.
• Propaganda and promotion of religion in government institutions, municipal offices, and the Armed Forces are forbidden.
• Involving minors in religious activities or appointing them to religious positions is not allowed.
• Coercion to change one’s faith is prohibited.
• Undermining Kyrgyz national traditions through religious norms is forbidden.

Penalties: Violations will incur fines of 200 settlement indicators (20,000 soms or $230) for individuals and 650 settlement indicators (65,000 soms or $747) for organizations.