Britian Looks To Ban Muslin Women From Wearing Burqas

(e3global)- Philip Hollobon a British politician has launched the first legal bid for a bill that would make it illegal for anyone to cover their faces in public, according to London’s Daily Mail.

Hollobone, who has said wearing the veil is akin to “going 'round with a paper bag over your head,” said it’s inappropriate for anyone to cover their faces in public.

“We are never going to get along with having a fully integrated society if a substantial minority insists on concealing their identity from everyone else,” Hollobone said.

Other cities in several countries -- including Belgium, Canada and Italy --have considered a ban. France took its first step toward prohibiting the veil in May when its parliament adopted a resolution, describing the garment as an affront to the country’s values.

Heather Harvey, campaign manager for Amnesty International UK's Stop Violence Against Women initiative, criticized the move.

“For those women who are being coerced into wearing full face veils, a ban would only make matters worse,” said Harvey. "Either they’re criminalized if they go out in public, or more likely, their confined to their homes.”

Some experts said the bill, which had its first reading on Wednesday, stands little chance of becoming law because there is not enough time or support from key political parties.

But Hollobone said he has public support, arguing you can’t have human interaction with those who cover their face.

“Part of the British way of life is walking down the street, smiling at people and saying hello, whether you know them or not,” Hollobone said.