Dutch parliament votes to ban the burka on public transport and in public buildings

The Dutch parliament has voted to ban the burka on public transport and in public buildings.

The limited ban on 'face-covering clothing', including Islamic veils and robes, was approved by a large majority in the 150-seat lower house. 

The legislation must be approved by the upper house to be passed into law.  

The Dutch proposal, which is described by the government as 'religion-neutral,' does not go as far as the complete bans in countries such as France and Belgium.

It applies on public transport and in educational institutions, hospitals and doctors surgeries, and government buildings.

Studies suggest that only a few hundred women in the Netherlands wear niqabs or full-face burkas.