Muslim women in Australia's most populous state will have to remove veils to
have their signatures officially witnessed under the latest laws giving New
South Wales officials authority to look under religious face coverings.
New South Wales state Attorney General Greg Smith said in a statement on
Monday that beginning April 30, officials such as justices of the peace and
lawyers who witness statutory declarations or affidavits without making identity
checks will be fined A$220 (Dh862.78).
"If a person is wearing a face covering, an authorised witness should
politely and respectfully ask them to show their face," Smith said.
The face coverings also include motorcycle helmets and masks.
The government on Monday began an information campaign to ensure the public
and officials are aware of the new penalties before they come into force.
The laws are a response to a court case last year in which a Sydney woman was
convicted of falsely claiming that a traffic policeman had attempted to remove
her niqab — a veil that reveals only the eyes.
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