Switzerland plans to follow several European countries in banning Muslim women from wearing a burka or niqab – a veil that covers the whole face except for the eyes.
Switzerland Officially Bans The Face Veil albawaba.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from albawaba.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Proponents criticise covering as symbol of political Islam Opponents decry violation of women’s rights (Adds reaction from Muslim group)
By Michael Shields
The measure to amend the Swiss constitution passed by a 51.2-48.8% margin, provisional official results showed.
The proposal under the Swiss system of direct democracy does not mention Islam directly and also aims to stop violent street protesters from wearing masks, yet local politicians, media and campaigners have dubbed it the burqa ban.
“In Switzerland, our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms,” Walter Wobmann, chairman of the referendum committee and a member of parliament for the Swiss People’s Party, had said before the vote.
Switzerland is to become the latest European country to ban face coverings such as burqas, following the likes of France and Denmark. A referendum was passed by 51.42-48.8 per cent.