China Bans Veils and Long Beards in an Attempt to Stop Muslim Extremists

China has banned long beards and wearing veils in a clampdown on what they claim is religious extremism in the Western province of Xinjiang. The ban, which will be in action starting Saturday, also includes abnormal beards (sorry hipsters), names, and extremist signs.

The ban is extremely problematic since Xinjiang is home to Uighurs, a Turkic ethnic group that live in Eastern and Central Asia and practice Islam. The Uighurs are some of China’s minorities and have been fighting for preserving their traditions in Xinjiang.

The legislation was passed by the Xinjiang People’s Congress last week and has been heavily criticized to directly discriminating against Muslims, in which they defend by blaming extremist Muslims for the violence that’s been happening in the last decade. The legislation wasn’t clear on its definition of what counts as “veil.” It’s confirmed that the niqab (burka covering the face) will be banned, but whether the hair covering is banned or not, it’s still unclear. It’s also unclear on what is considered an “abnormal beard,” and what isn’t.

WE SAID THIS: What are your thoughts on the ban? Let us know in the comments section.