The Dutch government on Friday approved a ban on face-covering clothing, burqa, a niqab, a forage cap, or a full face helmet

The Hague: The Dutch government on Friday approved a ban on face-covering clothing, such as a burqa, a niqab, a forage cap, or a full face helmet, reported Xinhua.
People going on the streets with one of these now risk being fined for up to $499.
“It is very important that people in an open society meet each other in an open way,” minister of interior affairs Liesbeth Spies said.
The burqa ban was already part of the government coalition agreement. In September 2011, the proposal was sent for advice to the council of state, which issued a negative opinion.
The council considered the proposal contrary to the prohibition of freedom of religion and contrary to the standards of non-discrimination. The government’s main advisory body also wondered whether a burqa ban was too heavy a measure. IANS