Washington Reporter
A group of 32 French lawmakers voted Tuesday to recommend a partial ban on veils that cover the face, including the full-body coverings worn by Muslim women,
CNN reports. The ban would apply in public places like hospitals and on public transportation, but not when simply walking on the street. The parliamentary commission recommended the partial ban because all 32 members would not agree on banning the garment outright.
The movement to legally restrict Muslim religious coverings began when French President Nicolas Sarkozy controversially said they were "
not welcome" in France. Sarkozy said his ill regard for the burqa wasn't religion-based but stemmed from his belief in the freedom and dignity of women.
The French parliament will vote on the proposal later, most likely in March. Passing the ban would not make the burqa illegal, but would put weight behind public officials who ask women not to wear them.
(Click here to read Politics Daily's previous coverage of the proposed burqa ban.)