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

Parliament in Bern narrowly voted against the proposal made by the northern canton (state) of Aargau with 87 in favour and 03 against the measure.

Nationalist MPs argued that the ban was necessary for public safety. But opponents said the proposal was excessive because so few women wear burkas in Switzerland. In 2009 Swiss voters backed a ban on the construction of new minarets.

It was seen as a sign of strong anti-Islam sentiment in the country which is home to an estimated 400,000 Muslims.