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The Dutch Government is set to impose a ban on the Muslim burqa in schools and government offices, in a retreat from the previous government's plan for a general ban.
The Cabinet has decided against a broad ban on burqas in public as that would violate the principle of freedom of religion, news agency ANP said, citing unnamed sources.
The Muslim community says only about 50 women wear the head-to-toe burqa or the niqab, a face veil that conceals everything but the eyes. It says a general ban would heighten alienation among the country's one million Muslims.
An Interior Ministry spokesman said there was no final decision on the subject yet, and the issue is expected to be discussed by Cabinet next week.
- REUTERS
