The March 7 vote in Switzerland banning full face covering in public places by 51.21 voters in Swiss cantons will unleash a new debate on enlightenment and Islamophobia. The majority vote for ‘burqa’ ban is being termed a verdict against “radical Islam” by the far-right, spearheaded by the Swiss Peoples Party (SVP). Those against the vote for ban call it racist and intolerant to religious beliefs. The thin majority secured in the Swiss vote amid a 50.8% turnout does not reflect an overwhelming support in the country for a ban on full face cover in public places.
Switzerland is now amongst the European countries that have voted to ban Muslim women from wearing the burqa in public.
With a narrow majority of 51%, Switzerland has voted to ban Muslim women from wearing the burqa in public places. The referendum took place on March 7, UNILADÂ reports.
Following the example of other European countries, including Austria, Belgium, and France, the people of Switzerland will be banned from covering their faces in public. While the proposal for the restriction does not explicitly mention the burqa or niqab, it is evidently directed towards the Islamic face veils that Muslim women wear.
The only exceptions to the new rule will be places of worship and ânative customs.â According to The Guardian, face masks used for health and safety purposes amid the coronavirus pandemic will also be permitted.
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