Passed by parliament: Hijab banned in Tajikistan

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon has approved a bill banning the use of turbans, hijabs, and all other Islamic symbols, which are viewed as clothing foreign to the country's culture.

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In Tajikistan, a Muslim-majority country, the upper house of parliament, the National Assembly, approved the bill banning the hijab on June 19. Under the law, the celebration of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha by children has also been banned.

The bill, which was accepted by the lower house of parliament, the Assembly of Representatives, on June 8, entered into force yesterday after being signed by the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon.

FINES WILL BE IMPOSED

The law prohibits "the wearing, importing, selling, and advertising of clothing belonging to foreign cultures that are not in accordance with Tajik culture, in order to protect national values."

Failure to comply with the law will result in fines of up to 740 dollars for individuals and 5,400 dollars for institutions, while government officials could face fines of around 3,700 dollars and religious authorities around 5,060 dollars.

DE FACTO BAN IN SCHOOLS

The hijab has long been de facto banned in state institutions and schools in the country.

In addition to this ban, men are also not permitted to grow beards.