A Belgian parliamentary committee has voted for a nationwide ban on the burqa. If passed by parliament, the law will make it illegal to wear the full body-covering Islamic veil in the country's public parks, sports fields and public buildings. The niqab, which covers the wearer’s face, will also be banned.

Those who ignore the ban could face a fine of 15-25 euros and/or a jail sentence of up to seven days, unless they have police permission to wear the garments.

The Belgian parliament is expected to vote on the proposal after Easter. With the governing parties and opposition in agreement, officials expect the proposal will be easily endorsed. If this happens, Belgium would become the first European country to implement such a ban.

In France, the Council of State has advised against introducing a similar ban, following a report that stated there were no legal grounds for such a move. Nevertheless, the French advisory body said niqabs and burqas could be forbidden in certain situations: at public events, for instance, or for people in public functions.

Until now, France has only banned the wearing of headscarves in schools. In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) advocates banning burqas and niqabs in public buildings.