Switzerland: A prohibition on facial coverings, such as the burqas used by some Muslim women, received final legislative approval from the lower chamber of the Swiss parliament on Wednesday. The law, which had already been adopted by the upper house, was supported by the National Council with a vote of 151-29. The right-wing, populist Swiss People’s Party comfortably overcame the hesitation shown by centrists and the Greens to get it through.
Citizen Referendum and Federal Law
The action followed a statewide vote two years ago in which Swiss citizens narrowly supported outlawing burqas, ski masks, and bandannas worn by some protestors, as well as niqabs, which leave slits for the eyes. Parliament established the restriction as federal law with the lower house vote and imposed a maximum fine of 1,000 francs (about $1,100) for violators.
What the Law Prohibits and Where
The law forbids concealing one’s lips, nose, or eyes in both public and privately owned structures that are open to the public, while it does allow for some exceptions. Burqas, which are arguably best recognised as clothing worn in Afghanistan, are full facial coverings that are rarely seen on women in Switzerland. Similar legislation already exist in the southern Ticino and northern St. Gallen cantons of Switzerland. The national legislation will bring Switzerland into compliance with nations like France and Belgium that have implemented such regulations.
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