European nation sets start date for 'burqa ban'
Beginning January 1, 2025, the Swiss government has implemented a ban on face coverings in public areas. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A ban on wearing face coverings in public spaces in Switzerland will take effect on January 1, 2025, as announced by the government. This controversial measure, commonly referred to as the “burqa ban,” was approved in a nationwide referendum held two years ago.
During a meeting on Wednesday, the Federal Council, which is the highest executive authority in Switzerland, established the date for the ban’s implementation. Individuals who cover their faces in public throughout the country will face fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs, according to a government statement.
The ban encompasses Muslim garments as well as ski masks and bandannas used by protesters. However, it does not apply to airplanes, diplomatic and consular premises, or places of worship. Face coverings are still allowed for health and safety reasons, climatic conditions, local customs, as well as for artistic and entertainment performances and advertising purposes, the statement clarified.
The referendum, held in March 2021, stemmed from a popular initiative known as ‘Yes to the ban on face coverings.’ The proposal garnered approval from 51.2% of Swiss voters and was subsequently adopted by parliament in September 2023. The right-wing Swiss People’s Party, the largest parliamentary group, supported the initiative.
The Swiss government had expressed opposition to the measure, labeling it excessive and warning that it could negatively impact tourism. Most Muslim women wearing veils in Switzerland are visitors from Persian Gulf states, according to the AP.
The ban has also drawn criticism from Muslim associations within the country. Among the permanent resident population aged 15 and over, which totals approximately 7.5 million, 5.7% are Muslim, as reported by Switzerland’s Federal Statistics Office.
In addition to Switzerland, several other countries, including France, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, have implemented bans on the burqa, a full-body covering, and the niqab, a face veil with a slit for the eyes.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
During a meeting on Wednesday, the Federal Council, which is the highest executive authority in Switzerland, established the date for the ban’s implementation. Individuals who cover their faces in public throughout the country will face fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs, according to a government statement.
The ban encompasses Muslim garments as well as ski masks and bandannas used by protesters. However, it does not apply to airplanes, diplomatic and consular premises, or places of worship. Face coverings are still allowed for health and safety reasons, climatic conditions, local customs, as well as for artistic and entertainment performances and advertising purposes, the statement clarified.
The referendum, held in March 2021, stemmed from a popular initiative known as ‘Yes to the ban on face coverings.’ The proposal garnered approval from 51.2% of Swiss voters and was subsequently adopted by parliament in September 2023. The right-wing Swiss People’s Party, the largest parliamentary group, supported the initiative.
The Swiss government had expressed opposition to the measure, labeling it excessive and warning that it could negatively impact tourism. Most Muslim women wearing veils in Switzerland are visitors from Persian Gulf states, according to the AP.
The ban has also drawn criticism from Muslim associations within the country. Among the permanent resident population aged 15 and over, which totals approximately 7.5 million, 5.7% are Muslim, as reported by Switzerland’s Federal Statistics Office.
In addition to Switzerland, several other countries, including France, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, have implemented bans on the burqa, a full-body covering, and the niqab, a face veil with a slit for the eyes.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
