By IANS/RIA Novosti,
London : Belgium is all set to become the first European country to ban the burqa in public after the country’s lower chamber of parliament approved a bill.
A total of 134 lawmakers voted Thursday in favour of the ban. Two members abstained but no one voted against.
Under the new law, women are prohibited from wearing full-face Islamic garments, such as ‘burqa’ or ‘niqab’ on streets, parks, sports grounds and buildings “meant for public use or to provide services”.
The offender will face a fine of 15-25 euro ($28-$47) and a prison term of up to seven days.
The ban was imposed on the grounds that the wearer is not fully identifiable and therefore could be a threat to public security.
Supporters of the law have said the new law will be useful in the fight against terrorism and also give more rights to Muslim women.
Municipalities in several cities in Belgium have already introduced a similar ban.
France and Austria are also considering a similar ban on burqa.