Dutch gov't proposes ban on burqas in public

The Dutch government, facing re-election, said Friday it plans to draw up legislation "as soon as possible" banning burqas and other clothing that covers a person's entire face in public places. "The Cabinet finds it undesirable that face-covering clothing - including the burqa - is worn in public places for reasons of public order, security and protection of citizens," Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk said in a statement.