Dutch parliament approves burqa ban for schools, hospitals

The Dutch parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of a ban on wearing all face coverings in certain public spaces, including schools, public transport and hospitals.

The ban will likely be implemented at the beginning of next year.

The Dutch Senate passed the vote in The Hague, after the Lower House approved corresponding draft legislation in 2016.

According to the ban, burqas, face-covering veils and full-faced helmets are not allowed in public transport, schools, hospitals and government buildings. However, it's unclear how the law will be enforced and whether bus drivers must deny passage to those affected.

An estimated 400 women in the Netherlands wear burqas.

The decision was criticized by lawyers, and the opposition accused it of symbolist politics. A draft law for a burqa ban in the Netherlands was first brought forward 13 years ago by populist Geert Wilders.