France set to vote on burqa ban

France's parliament is likely to call in a resolution for a ban on Muslim face veils in public but it will take longer to turn that policy into law, deputies say.

A parliamentary commission studying the sensitive issue, which has been discussed alongside a wider public debate about French national identity launched by President Nicolas Sarkozy, is due to publish its recommendations next Tuesday.

Polls say most voters want a legal ban on full-length face veils, known in France by the Afghan term burqa although the few worn in France are Middle Eastern niqabs showing the eyes. Critics say a law would stigmatise Muslims and be unenforceable.

Jean-François Copé, parliamentary leader of the ruling UMP party, this week submitted a draft law stating that “nobody, in places open to the public or on streets, may wear an outfit or an accessory whose effect is to hide the face”.

A few exceptions would be made, he said, such as for carnivals. At other times, anybody refusing to take off a face-covering could be fined euro750 ($1,090).

He hopes parliament will debate the draft at the end of March, shortly after the regional elections.