Denmark has voted to ban the burka, following several other European countries who have also voted to outlaw garments that cover the face. Today lawmakers voted to make it illegal to wear Islamic veils such as the niqab or burka.

Repeat ‘offenders’ of the ban face up to six months in jail and human rights campaigners have called it a violation of people’s rights of freedom of expression.

The Danish Government has claimed the move is not aimed at any religious group and does not ban headscarves, turbans or the traditional Jewish skull cap.

Justice Minister Soeren Pape Poulsen said that it will be up to police officers to use their ‘common sense’ when they see people violating the law that enters into force on 1st August.

The law allows people to cover their face when there is a ‘recognizable purpose’ like cold weather or complying with other legal requirements, such as using motorcycle helmets under Danish traffic rules. First-time offenders risk a fine of 1,000 kroner (£117)

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