Belgium MPs vote to ban burqa

The majority of Belgian lawmakers have voted to ban the wearing of the burqa in public, making it possible for the first clampdown of its kind in Europe.

In the lower house of federal parliament, 136 deputies voted to ban nationwide clothes or veils that do not allow the wearer to be fully identified, including the full-face niqab and burqa.

The law would ban any clothing that obscures the identity of the wearer in places like parks and on the street. There were two abstentions and no votes against the restriction.

Exceptions could be allowed for certain festivities like carnivals if municipal authorities decide to grant them.

People who ignore the new law could face a fine of 15-25 euros ($20-$34) and/or a jail sentence of up to seven days.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=124916§ionid=351020606.