Dutch parliament approves partial burqa ban in public places

MPs in the Netherlands have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a ban on wearing face-covering Islamic veils in public places, including schools, hospitals, government buildings and on public transport.

MPs in the Netherlands have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a ban on wearing face-covering Islamic veils in public places, including schools, hospitals, government buildings and on public transport.

The rule – which will outlaw all face coverings– was approved by 132 members of the 150-seat house.

Few women in the Netherlands wear Islamic veils – such as the niqab and burqa – but the issue has been hotly debated for years.

An outright ban is one of the central demands of the anti-Islam opposition Freedom Party, which is leading in polls ahead of parliamentary elections in March.