Belgium debates Islamic veil ban

Belgium lawmakers are due to debate legislation that would ban full-face Islamic veils in public.
If, as expected, they approve the draft law, Belgium would become the first European country to ban the wearing of the burka or niqab in public places.
It comes a day after France announced its own plans to ban the garments.
Muslim organisations and some human rights groups have criticised the move, saying a ban violates the rights of those who choose to wear such veils.
However, Thursday afternoon's vote is under threat from a political crisis that could see the collapse of the Belgian government.
A Dutch-speaking party is threatening imminent resignation from the ruling coalition unless action is taken to resolve a long-standing dispute about power-sharing.
The legislation in Belgium does not specifically mention veils, the BBC's Dominic Hughes in Brussels says.
Instead, it says the ban applies to clothing that hides someone's identity in public places such as parks, buildings and on the street.
Anyone who ignores the ban would face a fine of 15-25 euros (£13-£21; $20-34) and/or a jail sentence of up to seven days, unless they have police permission to wear such garments.
Supporters of the bill - which has cross-party support - say it is necessary as a security measure, to allow police to correctly identify people.
Stefaan van Heck, an MP with the Belgian Green Party, said it was also important for social integration.