ROME — Italy’s ruling Brothers of Italy party has unveiled plans to introduce a bill that would ban Muslim women from wearing the burqa and niqab in public spaces, describing the measure as part of efforts to curb what it calls “Islamic separatism,” Politico reported Wednesday.

“Religious freedom is sacred, but it must be exercised in the open, in full respect of our constitution and the principles of the Italian state,” said lawmaker Andrea Delmastro, one of the bill’s sponsors, in a post on Facebook.

The proposed law would prohibit full-face coverings such as the burqa—which conceals the entire body with a mesh screen over the eyes—and the niqab, which leaves only the eyes visible, in public venues including shops, schools, and offices.

Violations could result in fines ranging from €300 to €3,000 ($349 to $3,491).

Party officials said the measure is part of a broader legislative package addressing “separatism,” which also includes provisions to regulate foreign funding of mosques, ban forced marriages, and require unrecognized religious groupsto disclose external financing sources.

“It is a bill focused on regulating mosque funding and banning the full-face veil,” said Sara Kelany, head of immigration policy for the Brothers of Italy, at a press conference.

“It also targets forced marriages and seeks transparency for all religious groups not officially recognized by the state.”

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party has previously emphasized the importance of safeguarding Italy’s cultural identity and national security, while critics have accused her government of stigmatizing Muslim communities under the guise of integration policies. — Agencies