According to Kazakh business media Kursiv, on June 30 local time, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a new law prohibiting the wearing of clothing that hinders facial recognition in public places.
The law states that any "facial recognition hindering" clothing will be banned in public places, but exceptions are made for medical needs, adverse weather conditions, and sports and cultural events. Tokayev once praised this move as an opportunity to promote Kazakh national identity. It is worth noting that the bill does not explicitly mention any religion or type of religious attire.
Kazakhstan bans face covering in public, Central Asian Times
Kazakhstan is a Muslim-majority country that was once a Soviet republic. Kazakh media earlier this year quoted Tokayev as saying, "Instead of wearing black robes that cover the face, it is better to wear clothes with national style. Our national costumes vividly demonstrate national identity, so they should be widely promoted."
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Reuters
In recent years, other Central Asian countries have also taken similar measures. According to reports from multiple Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan police have started patrolling the streets to enforce the niqab veil ban; those violating the niqab ban in Uzbekistan will be fined more than $250; and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon also signed a decree banning the public wearing of clothing "unusual to the national culture".
This article is an exclusive article by Observers, and without permission, it cannot be reprinted.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7521903579100234292/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author, and we welcome you to express your attitude through the 【up/down】 buttons below.