Belgium is one step closer to banning Muslim women from wearing the Islamic veil known as the burqa.

The country's House of Representatives unanimously passed the measure, April 30, to ban burqa-type dress in public.

Belgian politicians say burqas are a security risk. Under the law, women could be fined or jailed for wearing the full Islamic veil.

The measure now goes to the Senate. If passed, Belgium would be the first European country to ban burqas.

The French are also working on similar legislation.