The idea that it is an essential part of Western culture for a woman to keep the face uncovered, and that it is disrespectful to be veiled is a pretty new one. The Victorians would have found it very peculiar.

There are always ways round this kind of law anyway. Ban veils and an even more effective way of hiding the face could be something like these visor sunglasses

How long before someone decides that full beards shouldn't be allowed? (Already they seem to be a surefire way of ensuring you get searched at airports etc...)