Netherlands bans face-covering clothing

The Netherlands banned face-covering clothing, such as a burqa or niqab, in public buildings and on transport as a contentious law on the garment came into force. 

Between 100 and 400 women are estimated to wear a burqa or niqab in the European country of 17



million people.

The legislation - which was passed in June last year after more than a decade of political debate on the subject - also applies to other face coverings such as full-face helmets, balaclavas or ski mask.