Since France banned women from wearing veils that covered the face in public in 2011, a growing number of European nations have passed similar restrictions.
Belgium, Bulgaria and Austria have passed similar so-called "burqa bans," while Germany, Switzerland, Norway and other countries are considering such legislation.
The laws have sparked a public debate about religious freedom, feminism and xenophobia. On this edition of Global Journalist, a look at how Europe's courts, legislators and public are grappling with the debate about the meaning of Islamic dress in Western societies.
Global Journalist: Europe's Veil Bans Target Muslim Women