AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): A contentious Swiss prohibition on facial coverings in public spaces, widely known as the “burqa ban,” will take effect on January 1, the government announced on Wednesday.
Narrowly passed in a 2021 referendum in Switzerland, the measure has been condemned by Muslim associations. It was launched by the same group that organized a 2009 ban on new minarets.
The governing Federal Council stated that the start of the ban has been fixed, and anyone who unlawfully flouts it faces a fine of up to 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,144).
The ban does not apply to planes or diplomatic and consular premises. Faces may also be covered in places of worship and other sacred sites, the government said.
Facial coverings will remain permitted for reasons relating to health and safety, for native customs, or due to weather conditions, it added. They would also be allowed on artistic and entertainment grounds and for advertising.
If such coverings are needed for personal protection in exercising freedom of expression and assembly, they should be permitted provided the responsible authority has already approved them and public order is not compromised, the government said.
...................
End/ 257