Switzerland is considering banning face-covering veils in some public places.

The lower house of parliament has voted 101-77 to outlaw veils like the burka worn by some Muslim women when using public transport or dealing with authorities.

The measure goes next to the upper house and is being pushed by the nationalist Swiss People's Party before federal elections in October.

One of its MPs Oskar Freysinger said the aim was "to avoid a religious war" by setting minimum standards for wearing veils.

Mr Freysinger campaigned in 2009 to ban construction of minarets in Switzerland, a law that drew international condemnation when voters approved it despite the government's opposition.

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