The lower house of Switzerland's parliament voted on Wednesday to pass a ban on face coverings, including burqas worn by some Muslim women. The legislation, which had already been approved by the upper house, was championed by the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party. It received significant support with a vote of 151-29 in favor, despite reservations expressed by centrists and the Greens.
This move comes after a nationwide referendum two years ago in which Swiss voters narrowly, 51%, endorsed a ban on niqabs (face veils with eye slits), burqas, as well as ski masks and bandannas worn by some protesters. With the lower house's approval, the ban has now become federal law, accompanied by fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs (around $1,100) for violators.
The campaign to prohibit face coverings faced criticism from Muslim groups during the referendum. Ines El-Shikh, a spokesperson for the Purple Headscarves, a Muslim women's group, told AFP news agency that "there are only 30 women in burqas in Switzerland." Meanwhile, Switzerland's Islamic Central Council pointed out that the vote reflected the spread of anti-Muslim sentiments throughout the country.
The ban prohibits the covering of the nose, mouth, and eyes in both public spaces and private buildings accessible to the public, with some exceptions allowed. While full face coverings like burqas are not commonly worn in Switzerland, this legislation brings the country in line with others like Belgium and France that have implemented similar measures.
This marks the second legislative measure in the country that seems to focus on the Muslim community, following Switzerland's prohibition of constructing new minarets in 2009, spurred by a campaign led by right-wing parties.
(With inputs from agencies)
