<p>A total of 134 lawmakers voted Thursday in favour of the ban. Two members abstained but no one voted against.<br /><br />Under the new law, women are prohibited from wearing full-face Islamic garments, such as 'burqa' or 'niqab' on streets, parks, sports grounds and buildings "meant for public use or to provide services".<br /><br />The offender will face a fine of 15-25 euro ($28-$47) and a prison term of up to seven days.<br />The ban was imposed on the grounds that the wearer is not fully identifiable and therefore could be a threat to public security.<br /><br />Supporters of the law have said the new law will be useful in the fight against terrorism and also give more rights to Muslim women.<br /><br />Municipalities in several cities in Belgium have already introduced a similar ban. France and Austria are also considering a similar ban on burqa.<br /><br /><br /></p>
<p>A total of 134 lawmakers voted Thursday in favour of the ban. Two members abstained but no one voted against.<br /><br />Under the new law, women are prohibited from wearing full-face Islamic garments, such as 'burqa' or 'niqab' on streets, parks, sports grounds and buildings "meant for public use or to provide services".<br /><br />The offender will face a fine of 15-25 euro ($28-$47) and a prison term of up to seven days.<br />The ban was imposed on the grounds that the wearer is not fully identifiable and therefore could be a threat to public security.<br /><br />Supporters of the law have said the new law will be useful in the fight against terrorism and also give more rights to Muslim women.<br /><br />Municipalities in several cities in Belgium have already introduced a similar ban. France and Austria are also considering a similar ban on burqa.<br /><br /><br /></p>