MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Dutch Cabinet has approved a proposed ban on the wearing of Islamic veils that cover the face in public places such as schools and hospitals, as well as on public transport, a statement published on the government’s website Friday said.
"Face-covering clothing will in future not be accepted in education and healthcare institutions, government buildings and on public transport," the statement reads.
The document explains that the initiative was approved so that people “make eye contact in the interests of security or good service.”
Those who flouted the ban could be fined up to €405 ($450).
However, the government has withdrawn a previous bill, banning the wearing of Islamic veils in the street, which dates from Prime Minister Mark Rutte's last government.
Between 100 and 500 women in the country are estimated to wear the face-covering veil, the majority of who do so only occasionally, according to Dutch Broadcast Foundation NOS.
