Belgium edges closer to veil ban

[ccharles000]

Belgium is on the path to becoming the first country in Europe to ban full-face veils worn by some Muslim women.

On a warm, sunny morning the Rue de Brabant just north of the centre of Brussels is busy with shoppers.

This city, known as the capital of Europe, is a multicultural melting pot and this part of town reflects that well.

It is particularly popular with the sizeable Moroccan and Turkish communities which, in turn, make up the bulk of Belgium's half-a-million or so Muslim residents.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8636039.stm

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Ah, but shortly after that article: Belgium PM offers to stand down

Belgian Prime Minister Yves Leterme has decided to resign after a key partner withdrew from his governing coalition.

Mr Leterme visited King Albert to tender his government's resignation following an emergency cabinet meeting on Thursday.

The king did not immediately accept Mr Leterme's resignation.

The collapse of the government threw into doubt the scheduled parliamentary debate on a law that would ban full-face Muslim veils being worn in public.

It would have been the first such law introduced by a European country.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8637459.stm