Controversy has erupted over a proposed bill in Georgia which some believe discriminates against Muslim women.


Controversy has erupted over a proposed bill in Georgia which some believe discriminates against Muslim women. 

Sponsored by Republican representative Jason Spencer, House Bill 3 officially addresses “offenses against public order...relating to wearing a mask, hood, or device which conceals the identity of the wearer.” 

However, critics claim that the measure targets religious clothing worn by women--specifically Muslims. 

They have also said that it contains wording which could mean that people with a face covering, which would include burqas, aren’t allowed to be on a public road.

While Spencer has admitted that such a far-reaching ban was not his intention, he has said that “People wearing head pieces while driving is a distraction and should be prohibited.”

He has also dismissed accusations of bigotry but is quoted by WSB as saying, “This bill is simply a response to constituents that do have concerns of the rise of Islamic terrorism, and we in the State of Georgia do not want our laws used against us.” 

Spencer has indicated that he is open to making changes to the bill; meanwhile, the state’s Council on American Islamic Relations reportedly intends to lobby against it.