A law that forbids any kind of full- face covering, including Islamic veils such as the niqab or burqa, has come into force in Austria.
Starting today, wearing a ski mask off the slopes, a surgical mask outside hospitals and party masks in public is prohibited.
The law, popularly known as the "Burqa Ban," is mostly seen as a directed at the dress worn by some ultra- conservative Muslim women.
Violations carry a possible fine of nearly USD 180. Police are authorized to use force if people resist showing their faces.
Only a small number of Muslim women in Austria wear full-face veils, but they have become a target for right-wing groups and political parties.
France and Belgium have similar laws. The nationalist Alternative for Germany party is calling for one there, too.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)