GENEVA: Switzerland’s National Council has given its final legislative approval to a ban on face coverings, including the burqas worn by some Muslim women.
The legislation, which had already been approved by the upper house, received strong support from the right-wing, populist Swiss People’s Party, despite some reservations expressed by centrists and the Greens.
The move to enact this ban comes after a nationwide referendum two years ago in which Swiss voters narrowly approved the prohibition of niqabs (which leave slits for the eyes), burqas, ski masks, and bandannas, often worn by protesters. With the recent vote in the lower house, the ban has now been solidified into federal law, accompanied by fines of up to 1,000 francs (approximately $1,100) for those found in violation.
The legislation is comprehensive in its scope, prohibiting the covering of the nose, mouth, and eyes in both public spaces and private buildings accessible to the public. However, it does make some exceptions.
While it’s worth noting that very few women in Switzerland wear full face coverings like burqas, this legislation puts the country in line with other nations like Belgium and France, which have implemented similar measures. Switzerland also joins two of its cantons, southern Ticino and northern St. Gallen, which already have their own face-covering laws.
This development reflects an ongoing global debate surrounding face coverings and religious attire, with various countries implementing differing regulations. France, for instance, has a history of implementing laws to ban face veils in public spaces, which has been a subject of international attention and debate. Such legislative actions often ignite discussions about religious freedom, cultural practices, and societal integration.
