Friday, July 15, 2011

Law Banning Burqa in Belgium Is Effective July 23; France Is Only Other European Country to Ban It

The Eurasia Review website reports today (July 15, 2011) that a law banning the burqa -- the veil that covers a woman's face except for the eyes -- will go into effect in Belgium on July 23.

Failure to comply with the law is punishable by up to seven days of imprisonment and a fine of 137,50 euro.

According to estimates, about 270 women in Belgium wear the burqa. Belgium is the second European country -- it was preceded by France -- to ban the burqa.

The new law is intended to promote women's rights, and prevent a split between the Islamic community and the rest of Belgian society.

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