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In the United States, freedom of religion isn't absolute, but it can only be overriden for a significant purpose. For example, a person can be required to have a photo taken to get a driver's license. Children can be required to get an education, and people can be required to provide medical care to their kids. But it's clear that in the U.S., it would be unlawful to generally outlaw the wearing of the burqa. Most likely, a general "anti-mask" law would be found to be overbroad. I think a more focused law, which (for example) prohibited a person from covering his or face while driving a car, or when entering certain secure locations (perhaps a bank, or an airport) would be upheld.
I think our system has the best balance of these interests that is currently available...better than France, and certainly way better than Islamic countries that are even more intolerant.
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