French police issue first fine for woman wearing Islamic veil

By Kelsey Lund

A woman in a shopping center near Paris was the first person to be fined for wearing an Islamic veil that covered her face on Monday after the new French law banning face coverings went into effect, BBC reported.

The 28-year-old woman was given a 150 euro fine with one month to pay, the Guardian reported.

The law bans face coverings in public places, including on the street, in shops, and on public transportation, BBC said.

Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France, was the main supporter of the new law, hoping to boost his record low poll ratings before the next election by winning over more conservative voters, the Guardian said.

The French government defends the law saying a face covering gives its wearer inferior status in France, BBC said. The law has resulted in an outcry from some Muslims and libertarians, BBC reported.