Belgium's parliament votes to ban veils

Belgium's lower house of parliament on Thursday voted in favor of draft legislation banning certain veils sometimes worn by Muslim women. If approved, the measure would ban all clothing that partially or completely covers the face. Those who violate the ban would be fined between about $20 or jailed. If the law passes, Belgium would be the first European Union country to ban the face veil. Critics of the ban say it violates freedom of expression and unfairly targets Belgium's Muslim community. The human rights group Amnesty International swiftly denounced the vote. Supporters of the ban say it reinforces women's right. They add that it is a critical security measure that will prevent Muslim radicals from hiding behind veils. France is contemplating a similar ban.