Paris, France (CNN) -- The French Council of Ministers approved a measure Wednesday to ban the wearing of full-face veils, sending the bill to parliament.

Veils that cover the face "cannot be tolerated in any public place," said a statement issued by the council.

The Council of Ministers' approval of the bill is the latest step in France's efforts to ban the burqa, niqab and other Muslim garments that cover a woman's face. Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie introduced the measure in the council Wednesday.

A panel of French lawmakers recommended a ban last year, and last week lawmakers unanimously passed a non-binding resolution calling the full-face veil contrary to the laws of the nation.

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