Photo: ulysmedia.kz
Both chambers of Kazakhstan’s Parliament have approved a bill banning the wearing of face-covering garments in public spaces. The legislation has been sent to the president for final approval, according to Zakon.kz.
The bill introduces amendments to the Law “On the Prevention of Offenses.” It was initially reviewed by the Senate on June 19 but sent back to the Mazhilis (the lower house) for revisions, mainly concerning provisions related to housing for law enforcement personnel.
Senators agreed with the provision banning face-covering clothing in public. Today, the Mazhilis deputies re-examined the amended version and endorsed the changes. The bill will now be signed into law by the president.
The measure aims to help prevent crimes “committed using clothing that obstructs facial recognition.” Exceptions include situations where such clothing is worn in compliance with legal requirements, for medical purposes, civil defense, extreme weather conditions, or during participation in sporting or cultural events.
While the bill does not explicitly name specific types of garments, it is widely understood that in addition to masks and balaclavas, religious attire such as the niqab—which fully covers the face—may fall under the ban. Debates about a potential ban on the niqab have been ongoing in Kazakhstan for several years.
In March 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the niqab as an archaic form of clothing imposed on Kazakh women by radicalized neophytes. He called it “a blatant challenge” to the country’s traditional values.
Authorities had initially planned to address the issue of banning religious attire in public spaces in the fall of 2023, but the proposal was postponed at the time.
