Rejected petition Maintain the rights of women in the UK to continue wearing the niqab (face veil)

British law upholds religious freedom, which is protected by the European Convention on Human Rights.
Restrictions on personal attire would be inconsistent with British values of religious tolerance and gender equality.

More details

The far right claims that "women should be free to wear what they like" whilst calling for a ban on the face veil, usually incorrectly called a burka. The burqa is a one-piece that fully covers the face and body, leaving just a mesh screen to see through, which is almost completely unheard of in the UK!
Many women, including white British Muslim women, CHOOSE to wear the niqab. Security measures are already in place in airports, court etc.
The fact is a "burqa ban" goes against British values.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

We can't publish petitions when the request is something that's already happening or something that has been announced since you started your petition.

We think your petition is covered by Government or Parliament action already. If you'd like something else, you could start a new petition clearly explaining what it is.

The Government has said that it has no plans to ban people wearing the niqab, you can read more about the Government's position in its response to this petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/723131

We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.

Date submitted 6 June 2025
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