Law baning burqa-wearing approved by Belgian King Albert II

A law banning the burqa, the veil that entirely covering a woman's face except for the eyes, will become effective in Belgium as of 23 July, after it was published in the country's official journal, the euractiv.com reports.

Failure to comply with the law is punishable by up to seven days of imprisonment and a fine of 137,50 euro, the source reports.

The law was backed at first reading in April 2010, but the second-reading vote was postponed as a consequence of the fall of the Belgian government and early elections held in June 2010. Belgium is still being governed by a caretaker cabinet.

Before the second-reading vote, the debate in the Belgian Parliament appeared less heated than it had been in 2010, French daily Le Figaro reported.

According to estimates, some 270 women in Belgium wear the burqa. Belgium is the second EU country after France to have effectively banned the burqa. According to its supporters, the bill is intended to promote women's rights and prevent a split between the Islamic community and the rest of Belgian society.