Belgium moves closer to burqa ban
Belgium has taken a major step towards banning burka-type Islamic dress in public after its lower house of parliament overwhelmingly backed the measure.
After Thursday's approval, the senate still has several weeks to decide whether to put the bill up for further discussion and another vote.
The Belgian legislature came close to approving such law last year, but the process was held up at the last moment when the governing coalition collapsed.
The bill was approved by an overwhelming majority of 136-1 with two abstentions.