This is part of a bill sent to parliament on Wednesday to implement the so-called “burqa ban” proposed by right-wingers, which won a narrow victory in a referendum last year. Although known as the “burqa ban”, it applies, for example, to masked football fans as well as a Muslim woman wearing a niqab.
Plans for fines up to CHF10,000 have been dropped after consultations, as this was considered disproportionate. Implementation of the ban will be done through a new law and not by amending the penal code, as originally proposed. This is more appropriate to ensure public security and order, the government says.
According to the bill, concealing the face in a public place is prohibited. Eyes, nose and mouth must be visible. A football fan may, for example, wear a cap or hood, but not a balaclava. A Muslim woman may wear a hijab — a scarf covering her hair — but not a niqab, which shows only the eyes, or a burqa which covers the whole body.
The ban is to apply in all public or private spaces accessible to the public. These include schools, courts, hospitals and public transport, but also restaurants, shops, cinemas and sports halls.
There are to be several exceptions. For example, it will be possible to cover one’s face in aircraft, consular or diplomatic premises and places of worship. Other exemptions have been decided for reasons of health, safety, weather conditions or local customs, as well as for artistic, entertainment or advertising purposes.
More
More
UN calls Swiss burka ban ‘restriction of fundamental freedoms’
This content was published on
The United Nations has condemned the recent Swiss burka ban vote as discriminatory and “regrettable”.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Swiss youngsters illegally obtain alcohol in a quarter of test purchases
This content was published on
In a quarter of all alcohol test purchases last year, young people in Switzerland were able to obtain beer, wine or spirits illegally.
Swiss storm damage more frequent and more expensive
This content was published on
Storm damage has increased by 126% in the last ten years. Costs have risen by 133% in the same period, according to Helvetia Insurance.
Switzerland plans to tighten S-status permits for Ukrainians
This content was published on
Swiss S-status refugee permits should only be granted to Ukrainian regions where life and limb are concretely threatened.
Burka ban vote appeals to Islamophobia and feminists
This content was published on
More than ten years after a ballot on banning minarets Swiss voters have the final say on a proposal to outlaw face covering in public.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.