<p><br /> French lawmakers have voted to ban full-length veils in public places, putting France on the road to becoming the second European country to take steps to make wearing the burqa or niqab a criminal offence.<br /> </p><p><br /> France is home to Europe's largest Muslim minority, with about five million Muslims.<br /> </p><p><br /> The French Parliament voted in favour of the law, with 335 votes in favour and one against<br /> </p><p><br /> The law, which must still be approved by the Senate, would mean women wearing a full face veil in public can be fined 150 euros. It now goes to the constitutional council for a review.<br /> </p><p><br /> French Justice Minister Michelle Alliot Marie said: "These are values that remind us that France is never as big, as strong, as recognised in the world as when it is united around its values - humanitarian values, which today as yesterday forge our unity, our uniqueness and the greatness of France."<br /> </p><p><br /> The Belgium lower house of parliament voted in April to ban all clothing that covers or partially covers the face.<br /> </p>
