Melbourne, Aug.19 (ANI): Victoria Police may soon be given permission to apply new laws that allow them to insist that Muslim women remove their burqas for identification in prison or in court.
Victoria Premier Barry O'Farrell said he will introduce the new legislation in parliament next week.
According to the Daily Telegraph, under the laws, police will not be able to forcibly remove a face-covering if the wearer refuses to do so. However, those who do refuse the request will be charged and face 220 Australian dollars in fines.
For motorists, the penalties will be even greater, with fines of up to 5500 dollars or a year in jail. Refusing to remove a headcovering in a courtroom will carry a 550 dollar fine.
The laws will also apply to helmets as well as to niqabs, masks and burqas.
If the subject of a police roadside stop pleads cultural sensitivity as a reason for refusing to remove a head covering, they can ask to go to a police station to remove it.
The Ombudsman will review the laws in 12 months.
O'Farrell will announce the changes to the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act today. (ANI)
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