The Bulgarian parliament has approved a law banning women from wearing veils that cover their faces in public.
The law was pushed by the nationalist Patriotic Front coalition, whose co-leader Krasimir Karakachanov cited security reasons, saying "the burqa is more a uniform than a religious symbol".
The law was opposed by the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the third-largest party in parliament, which has a substantial Muslim electorate. In protest, the group walked out of the chamber.
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Women who violate the ban face fines of up to 770 euros (£665), as well as a suspension of social benefits.
Bulgaria, a Balkan country of 7.2 million people, has a Muslim minority of about 10%.
Similar bans have been approved in other EU countries such as France, Netherlands and Belgium.
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