23/07/2011 16:37
Belgium bans wearing niqabs or burqas
On July 23, Belgium became the second European country after France to ban the wearing of veils covering the face in public, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty informs.
It says the Belgian Parliament passed the law by a vote of 149-1 in April 2010. But due to the fall of the government shortly thereafter and an inconclusive election that left the country with a caretaker government, its implementation was delayed until now.
The law does not explicitly mention niqabs or burqas. But it prohibits the covering of one's face in public for security reasons -- effectively banning the two Islamic garments. Violators will face fines of 137.50 euro and up to seven days in jail, the source informs.