Germany could impose partial ban on face veils, officials say

(CNN) Germany could become the next European country to ban face veils under a proposal announced on Friday by officials in the ruling coalition.

The officials intend to have the face veils banned in public places where identification is required -- such as registry offices, schools, kindergartens and government offices -- saying that they did not fit in with Germany's society.

"Full-face veils, we reject this. Not just the burqa," said Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere at a press conference held by members of the Christian Democratic Union and their allied Christian Social Union, which govern in a coalition.

"It does not fit into our society... this is why we demand that you show your face," de Maiziere said.

The proposed partial ban is to promote security and national cohesion, de Maiziere said, denying that plans for the ban were to appease the increasingly popular right-wing AFD party.

The Islamic full-length swimming suit, known as a burkini, is displayed left.

"We do what we deem is right, and the AFD can behave in their own way," he said.

Berlin Interior Minister Frank Henkel supported the proposal, adding that the full-face veil "does not fit in with our understanding of a tolerant, free society. It does not fit in with our view of women."

De Maziere also said that Germany would mull stricter child marriage laws and that the justice minister was already looking into the issue, adding that "a child marriage is not accepted in Germany."