Greece is considering a ban on face coverings used by Muslim women but has no specific plans so far, the country’s migration minister said Wednesday.
Thanos Plevris said ministry officials are studying similar legislation in other European countries.
“The matter is indeed under examination at this point,” Plevris told Parliament, in response to a question from a small nationalist populist party, Greek Solution.
Plevris said that while few Muslim women in Greece are believed to use face coverings, “nevertheless many of those women, without wanting to, are forced to abide with such practices because they would otherwise be targeted by men from their ethnic and religious community.”
“We believe that we will soon be able to offer clarity,” Plevris added.
It was unclear whether any ban would also apply to tourists or members of other religious groups.