After France and Belgium, Bulgaria bans Islamic veils

Bulgaria on Friday banned wearing Islamic veils in public that cover the face, joining a small number of European Union countries as the debate on religious freedoms rages across Europe. Parliament approved the law that “bans wearing in public clothing that partially or completely covers the face”, referring to the burqa or the more common niqab. Infringements carry fines of 200 leva (approximately Rs 7600, $114), rising to 1,500 leva for repeated offences.