Partial ban on face veils in Netherlands's public areas approved

(MENAFN) Dutch MPs on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to ban face veils from some public places such as schools and hospitals and on public transport.

In detail, "The law is adopted," said the speaker of the lower house of parliament, Khadija Arib.

The motion "to ban all clothing which completely covers the face" from government buildings was approved by 132 members in the 150-seat house, including Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling Liberal-Labour coalition.

The legislation must now go before the Senate for approval before becoming law. It follows similar bans imposed in France and Belgium, and comes amid rising tensions in Europe with Islamic communities.