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After the lower house of the German parliament approved the draft law, the bill will now go to the upper house. The text of the law passed reads: “The state has a duty to present itself in an ideologically and religiously neutral manner.”

The move comes after a number of jihadist attacks, including the Berlin truck attack in December last year that left 12 people dead. It is hoped the new legislation will improve security measures after more than one million migrants arrived in Germany over the last 18 months.

GETTY Germany could be set to join other European nations by imposing a partial burka ban

Right-wing parties in Germany have called for a total ban on wearing burkas in public places, a measure which has been in place in France since 2011. In December last year, German chancellor Angela Merkel called for a ban on the full-face Muslim veils “wherever legally possible” following pressure from her countrymen. She said: “The full veil must be banned, wherever legally possible. Showing your face is part of our way of life.

GETTY Banning the burka has been a controversial debate in Germany

What is the difference between the burka, niqab and a hijab? Mon, March 6, 2017 Here are the different types of Muslim dress Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 5 The khimar is a long veil that fall to just above the waist. It covers the hair, neck and shoulders but leaves the face clear

“Our laws take precedence over honour codes, tribal customs and sharia”. "Show your face. The full covering is not permissible and should be banned."

These countries have BANNED the burka Mon, February 20, 2017 Several European countries have banned full-face veils since France's controversial law in 2011 Play slideshow GETTY 1 of 14 Switzerland: The region of Ticino voted in favour of a ban in a referendum