NEW : The law will go into effect next year and impose a fine of $ 500 for violations . The ban passed the lower house of the French parliament by a huge margin . A poll this year showed French people overwhelmingly favor a ban . Clear majorities also backed burqa bans in Germany , Britain and Spain , while two out of three Americans opposed it , the survey found . France has about 3.5 million people .
NEW : The law will go into effect next year and impose a fine of $ 500 for violations . The ban passed the lower house of the French parliament by a huge margin . A poll this year showed French people overwhelmingly favor a ban . France has about 3.5 million people .