DENMARK has become the latest European nation to ban garments that cover the face, including niqabs and burqas.

In a 75-30 vote with 74 absentees, Danish MPs approved the law presented by the centre-right governing coalition.

The government says it is not aimed at any religions and does not ban headscarves, turbans or the traditional Jewish skull cap.

However, the law, which is similar to legislation in Austria, France and Belgium, is popularly known as the ‘burqa ban’ and is often considered to be directed at the dress worn by some conservative Muslim women.

Justice minister Soeren Pape Poulsen said it will be up to police officers to use their “common sense” when they see people violating the law that comes into force on August 1.

Few Muslim women in Denmark wear full-face veils and people are still able to cover their face when there is a “recognisable purpose” like cold weather or using a motorcycle helmet.

First-time offenders risk a fine of 1000 kroner (£120). Repeat offences could trigger fines of up to 10,000 kroner (£1200) or a jail sentence of up to six months.

Forcing a person to wear full-face veils could lead to a fine or up to two years in prison.