A French bill to ban burqas in public is set to go to arliament, bringing closer a measure which critics argue is unconstitutional.
Supporters of the ban on veils, worn by some Muslim women, argue that wearing garments which hide women's faces violates the ideals of secularism and gender equality.
But opponents say only a minority of Muslim women wear the burqa, and that the legislation quashes individual freedom.
France already bans Muslim headscarves and other religious symbols from schools.
RadioLIVE