Belgium moves toward national ban on full-body veil

Belgium's Parliament is expected to take up debate on a measure that would ban the full-body Muslim veil, or the burka, throughout the country. If passed, Belgium would become the first European country to put into law a nationwide ban on the full veil. Other countries are considering similar bans. This week French President Nicolas Sarkozy ordered parliament to begin debate on a ban, despite concerns that it could be unconstitutional in France. The Netherlands may also consider a similar measure. Politicians who support the measures cite safety and support for women's rights but critics call the bans a dangerous precedent for infringement on religious freedom.

To discuss the topic, we're joined by Judith Sunderland. She's a senior researcher for Western Europe with Human Rights Watch and she joins us by phone from Milan.