Holland becomes latest European country to impose burqa ban

Holland has become the latest nation to impose a ban on “face-covering clothing” such as the burqa and niqab. The new Dutch law is a partial ban, meaning it only applies on public transport and in public buildings but not on the street, nor does it outlaw the hijab, which covers only the hair. Far-right politician Geert Wilders has pushed for the ban for over a decade, however studies suggest only a few hundred women in the Netherlands wear niqabs or full-face burqas, leading many to brand the law unnecessary. The ban, which is described by the Dutch government as "religion neutral", also covers ski masks and full-face helmets. Other European countries including Belgium, France, Denmark and Austria have all already taken steps to outlaw face veils.