The municipal council of the Bulgarian city of Stara Zagora banned on Thursday the wearing of accessories concealing the face and hampering recognition in public places.

The proposal was made by councilors from Bulgaria's largest ruling party GERB and one of the parties supporting the coalition government, the Patriotic Front (PF).

The ban was adopted at the regular meeting of the municipal council with majority at second reading, with 39 councilors voting in favour and only two from the second largest opposition party, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), voting against.

The decision concerns the exercise of religious activity on the territory of the municipality.

An order to be issued by the mayor of Stara Zagora will regulate the places at which the carrying out of religious rituals will be admissible.

The municipal council is also prohibiting public religious events that harm the public order, morals and traditions.

The municipality also prohibited religious agitation on streets through the distribution of free printed materials – leaflets, books and others.

Fines of up to BGN 5000 will be imposed for violations of the ban.

This development comes a day after the municipal council of the city of Pazardzhik imposed a similar ban on the wearing of veils covering the face in public places.