Swiss lawmakers reject plan to ban burqas

Swiss lawmakers have rejected a proposal to ban face-covering veils, such as the burqa worn by some Muslim women, in public spaces.

Parliament in Bern on Friday narrowly voted against the proposal made by the northern canton (state) of Aargau. Swiss news agency Sipa reported 87 lawmakers voted for and 93 voted against the measure. Nationalist lawmakers had argued that the ban was necessary for public safety. (AP)