Veils soon verboten

Women wearing Islamic veils sit Thursday in the audience as lawmakers in Copenhagen, Denmark, vote to ban such garments as niqabs and burqas that cover people’s faces. The law goes into effect Aug. 1.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Denmark joined some other European countries in deciding Thursday to ban garments that cover the face, including Islamic veils such as the niqab or burqa.

In a 75-30 vote with 74 absentees, Danish lawmakers approved the law presented by the center-right governing coalition. The government says it is not aimed at any religions and does not ban headscarves, turbans or the traditional Jewish skull cap.

However, the law is popularly known as the “Burqa Ban” and is mostly seen as being directed at the dress worn by some conservative Muslim women. Few Muslim women in Denmark wear full-face veils.

Justice Minister Soeren Pape Poulsen said it will be up to police officers to use their “common sense” when they see people violating the law that goes into effect Aug. 1.

The law allows people to cover their face when there is a “recognizable purpose” such as cold weather or complying with other legal requirements, such as using motorcycle helmets under Danish traffic rules.

First-time offenders risk a fine of $157. Repeat offenses could trigger fines of up to $1,571 or a jail sentence of up to six months.

AP/MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN