Belgium Bans Burqa

(Brussels, Belgium) The Belgium Parliament has banned the burqa.

The ban will be imposed in streets, public gardens and sports grounds or buildings "meant for public use or to provide services" to the public, according to the text of the bill.

Exceptions could be allowed for certain festivities like carnivals if municipal authorities decide to grant them.

People who ignore it could face a fine of 15-25 euros (20-34 dollars) and/or a jail sentence of up to seven days.

All governing parties and the opposition agreed on the move -- most for security reasons linked to the fact that people cannot be recognised while wearing the clothing.

According to Belgium liberal deputy Denis Ducarme, there are hopes that other European countries will soon follow the lead. Muslims, on the other hand, are dismayed.