Post date: Sep 15, 2010 11:22:7 AM
French senators vote overwhelmingly in favour of banning the wearing of the full Islamic veil in public.
FRANCE-VEIL/VOTE - The French Parliament's upper house formally approved a controversial bill on Tuesday that bans the wearing of the full Islamic veil in public.
The law still needs to be ratified by the Constitutional Council before it comes into force.
The bill was overwhelmingly approved, with 246 senators voting for the measure, and just one voting against.
Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said France could be proud of the debating process.
FRENCH JUSTICE MINISTER, MICHELE ALLIOT-MARIE, SAYING:
"I think that the Senate can be proud of the way in which this debate has been run. I think, very simply, that tonight the Republic can be proud of its Senate and of its senators. I thank you."
A ministerial decree must also be issued before the bill becomes law.
For infractions, offenders could be fined 150 euros or be required to take part in a citizenship class.
Forcing someone to cover their face would bring about a 30,000 euro fine, and a year prison sentence.
There are around 5 million Muslims in France, with around 2,000 thought to wear the full-length veil.
Kirsty Basset, Reuters.