National Rally Plans Fines for Wearing the Veil in Public if It Takes Power

France’s National Rally plans to fine people who wear an Islamic veil in public if the party wins power, lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy said.

Tanguy, a close ally of Marine Le Pen in the presidential campaign, said the party would “combat Islamist ideology” and punish public veil-wearing. He framed the measure as solidarity with women around the world who, he said, are forced to wear the veil and die for the freedom to choose it.

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We will obviously combat Islamist ideology and sanction the wearing of the veil, also in solidarity with all the women around the world who are forced to wear it and die for this freedom.

A ban on wearing the veil in public had already appeared in Le Pen’s platforms during her first three presidential bids. The proposal was discussed within the party while Jordan Bardella was still viewed as a possible alternative leader, but Tanguy said the issue had now been settled.

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It has been settled.

He said the proposal was supported by 60% to 70% of French people who understood the veil as more than clothing. In his argument, it represents an ideology contrary to what France has stood for over many years.

If the National Rally wins next year, Tanguy said women wearing the veil despite a ban would receive a fine, comparing the penalty with fines for people who do not wear seat belts in cars.

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If there are women who wear the veil when it is prohibited, they will receive a fine.