The French upper house of parliament has formally approved a bill banning the wearing of full Islamic veils in public. People who support the bill say it is to ensure gender equality, but those who oppose it see it as one more blow to France's Muslim population.

The house voted the move into law by 246 votes to one.

The measure outlaws face-covering veils, including those worn by tourists from Middle East and elsewhere.

Francois-Noel Buffet, French Senator, said, "To wear a veil in a public place breaks the equality that exists between citizens because to see without being seen indisputably constitutes a rupture in equality and at the same time an offence against human dignity, and especially against women's dignity. And this, France cannot tolerate and this is why we're voting for this bill."

But for some, the bill could stigmatize the country's Muslim population.

Worshipper, said, "I can't think of any impact of this bill except that of worsening things even more."

Offenders could be fined 150 euros or required to take part in a citizenship class. Forcing someone to cover their face would be punishable by a one-year prison sentence and a 30,000 euro fine.

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