Rabat- The Netherlands has partially banned the full-face Islamic veil in its public institutions, as well as on public transport, education and health institution.
"Face-covering clothing will in future not be accepted in education and healthcare institutions, government buildings and on public transport," the Dutch cabinet said in a statement carried by AFP news agency.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the ban does not completely forbid the veil in public places, but only "in specific situations where it is essential for people to be seen" or for security reasons.
"The bill does not have any religious background," he told journalists after the cabinet meeting. The draft law will be sent to the highest court in the Netherlands, the Council of State, for its opinion.
The government said it had "tried to find a balance between people's freedom to wear the clothes they want and the importance of mutual and recognizable communication." It said the cabinet "sees no reason for a general ban that would apply to all public places".
Between 100 and 500 women in the Netherlands are believed to wear the burqa, according to the country's state broadcaster, NOS.
If it is enforced, those violating the ban could be fined up to 400 euros.
The Netherlands follows the lead of several European countries that have introduced partial burqa bans despite accusations of restricting religious expression.
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