Austria has banned full-face veils. Muslim women cannot wear a full-face veil in public. Their face must be showing from the hair to the chin. Austria said the law is to protect its values. Muslim groups said the law is unfair. It is against human rights and religious freedom. A small minority of Austrians wears full-face veils. Officials say the law might damage Austria's economy. Many Muslim tourists might decide not to visit Austria.
Other European countries banned the veil. France and Belgium had bans in 2011. Holland is working on passing a ban. Germany's leader said the full-face veil should be banned, "wherever it is legally possible". The Islamic community in Austria said the new law was unfair. It said veiled women in Austria are now "criminals". They have to stay in their home. A supporter of the ban said: "It's not right that those living here don't show their faces."