BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The House of the Belgian Parliament on Thursday approved a bill to prohibit the public use of the Islamic veil that completely covers the face, a move that could make Belgium the first European country to make use of the veil a criminal offense.

The law, presented as a security measure by its proponents, was an overwhelming support of 136 legislators. There were only two abstentions.

The bill that1000would ban all clothing that covers the face of partial or total, would become law in the coming months and is not expected that the Upper House or Senate blocked the legislation.

However, the collapse of the coalition government of Belgium last week and the possibility of an imminent election could delay the law, and that Parliament will be dissolved.

France, which has the largest Muslim population in Europe, seeks to ban the Islamic headscarf in public, and the Government there will review the draft of a project law in May. It also could become law within a few months.

fracofonos Belgian Liberals, who proposed the law of the veil, indicated that the inability to identify people who hide their face presents a security risk and that the veil was a “prison-errant” for women.

human rights group Amnesty International condemned the vote and said in a statement that it violated rights to freedom of expression and religion, in addition to setting a dangerous precedent.

Wearing the face veil, known as Nicabar, and the garment Length, or burka, used extensively in Afghanistan, could lead to fines 15 to 25 euros (20 to 33 dollars) and up to seven days in jail.

Political across Europe have sought to ban veils and scarves to allay public concerns about a perception of growing Islamic militancy.

The leader of the bill sponsor, Daniel Bacquelaine, said local mayors could suspend the ban during festivities such as carnivals, where people often wear costumes and masks.

(Additional reporting by Yvonne Bell, Spanish Editing by Gary Hill)