France bans burka

France’s Prime Minister, Francois Fillon has announced the passing of a new law banning the burka and other Islamic face coverings in public places.

The ban will become effective from next month and carries a penalty of a 150 euros (£128) fine or a public service duty as part of the punishment as an alternative.

France has also introduced penalties for forcing a person to wear a burka as part of the law, which will became effective from October.

The ban which will effect families, include penalties for forcing a woman to wear a niqab or a burka, which is to be punishable by a prison sentence and a 30,000 euro fine; and a two-year sentence and  60,000 euro fine for forcing a minor to do the same.

The punishable ban relates to the burka and the niqab, but not the hijab, or the chador.

Amnesty International had repeatedly urged France not to impose the ban, saying it violates European human rights law.

Winsome-Grace Cornish