Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA.ir), French lawmakers will start debates over a bill banning the full-face Islamic veil, known as burqa and niqab, amid warnings that the move would constitute discrimination against Muslims.
The controversial bill will be discussed in the parliament on Tuesday after a year-long debate over the legality of the move.
The legislation, which is planned to go to the Senate in September for a final vote, would require those who wear burqa in public to pay a fine of EUR 150 (USD 190), AFP reported.
Husbands who force their wives or daughters to wear the burqa will be fined EUR 30,000 and will be sentenced to one year in jail, the report said.
The penalties, however, will apply six months after adoption of the bill.
Muslim leaders fear the bill will increase tension and instigate Islamophobia.
Legal experts say such a ban constitutes discrimination against Muslim women, denying them the right to freely practice their religion.
Belgium is awaiting Senate approval for a new bill banning the wearing of face veils in public.
Spain has also announced plans to ban the wearing of full veils in public places.
This is while, in June, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) unanimously voted against any general ban against burqa or niqab in Europe, saying Muslim women should be free to choose their clothing.
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