Belgium bans the burqa

Belgium became the second European country to ban the burqa, or Muslim face veil on Saturday.

The decision was widely criticised, especially by Muslim groups outside of Europe. It comes after France introduced a similar ban earlier this year.

Parliament first passed the law by a vote of 149-1 in April 2010. But the legislation has been held up because of the crisis affecting the Belgian government.

The law forbids covering your face in public for security reasons.

It’s thought around 270 Muslim women who wear the veil in Belgium will be affected. They could face a fine of more than 130 euros and have to spend up to a week in jail if caught.

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