Christians Divided on Belgium's Burqa Ban

Religion News Service reports that Belgian Christians expressed mixed reactions to the country's new "burqa ban," as Belgium joined France in criminalizing the Islamic veil. "We're against this ruling, since it violates basic human rights," said Kristine Jansone, general secretary of the Brussels-based Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe. "Although I can't speak on behalf of all our member-groups, I think it's the general consensus we should oppose a measure which will clearly impede the free practice of religion." The new law, which began implementation on July 23, imposes fines of 137.50 Euros ($197.50) and jail terms of up to a week for women caught wearing the burqa in public.