Muslim women protest planned burqa ban

The Hague: Muslim women picketed outside the Dutch parliament on Thursday to protest the proposed ban on the burqa, or the Islamic robe.

Dozens of protesters wore a niqab, long robes and veils that expose only their eyes.

"We live in a free country and the government cannot tell us what to do with our religion," said protest organizer Ayse Bayrak.

"We don't live in a dictatorship. We don't live under the Taliban which oppresses women."

One of the protesters said that some Dutch people are supportive of their religious belief, but others "call me Osama bin Laden's mother."

Abut six per cent of the Dutch population of 16 million is Muslim.

Hardline Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk is drawing up legislation banning the burqa and other clothes that cover the face in public places.

However, the new Cabinet will have to defend the bill in Parliamentary debate, the Justice Ministry said.

Bayrak accused Verdonk of using the issue to attract support before last week's election.

"Every time she wants to attract right wing voters she pulls the burqa out of the closet," she said.