Canada's Quebec bans full-face veils in public

• Quebec approved the law requiring citizens to uncover their faces in public services
• The legislation applies to bureaucrats, police officers, teachers and bus drivers
• It said exceptions can be made on a case by case basis

QUEBEC, Canada - Quebec in Canada approved a law that would require citizens of the Canadian province to uncover their faces while giving or receiving any public service.

The legislation, which applies to bureaucrats, police officers, teachers and bus drivers was issued on Wednesday, but officials said that exceptions can be made on a case by case basis.

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said of Bill 62, "I should see your face, and you should see mine.”

Speaking to reporters and explaining the ban, he cited improved "communication, identification and safety.”

According to the government, the law applies to all face coverings and does not target Muslim women.

However, the decision sparked widespread criticism, and opposers said the legislation will effectively marginalize Muslims by limiting their access to government jobs and services.

In a statement, the National Council of Canadian Muslims said the law "boils down to ugly identity politics" ahead of a general election in Quebec next year.

In August this year, Justice Minister Stéphanie Vallée proposed amendments that make the legislation apply to municipalities, metropolitan communities and public transit organizations.

This, the justice minister said means that, anyone who rides a bus or the Metro must be unveiled.

Earlier this week, Vallée said that a woman who normally wears a burka or niqab would have to show her face for the duration of her ride — 'as long as the service is being rendered.'"

The Quebec bill was first proposed seven years ago and is similar but somewhat less restrictive than one that went into effect in France in 2011, prohibiting such garments to be worn anywhere in public.

In 2010, a ban was imposed on the veil in Syria.

Earlier this year, the European Court of Human Rights upheld a Belgian law that is similar to the French law.

Then, in May, Austria enacted a ban.

Similar laws have been enacted in the Netherlands and Bulgaria.

And Germany and Norway are considering their own 'full veil' bans.

Quebec's Premier Philippe Couillard said he expects that the law will be challenged.

Couillard said, "The principle to which I think a vast majority of Canadians by the way, not only Quebecers, would agree upon is that public services should be given and received with an open face. I speak to you, you speak to me. I see your face. You see mine. As simple as that.”