On Sunday, swiss voters narrowly approved a ban on complete facial coverings in public areas. Supporters praised the decision as a defense against radical Islam, while opponents denounced it as discriminatory. According to official findings, the plan was backed by 51.2 percent of voters and by a large majority of cantons in federal Switzerland.
The so-called anti-burqa vote was the result of years of discussion in switzerland, even though women wearing Islamic full-face veils are an extremely uncommon sight on swiss streets. Similar prohibitions had already been implemented in other european nations as well as in several states with a majority of Muslims.
On a 50.8 percent turnout, 1,426,992 people supported the ban while 1,359,621 opposed it. The burqa and the niqab were not specifically included in the proposition "Yes to a ban on full facial coverings". However, campaign posters saying "Stop radical Islam!" and "Stop extremism!", portraying a lady in a black niqab -- which leaves on the eyes showing -- were plastered across swiss cities. Opposing posters said, "No to an absurd, useless, and Islamophobic 'anti-burqa' law".
The prohibition will mean that nobody may conceal their face entirely in public -- whether in stores or the open countryside. However, there will be some exceptions, such as for houses of worship and for reasons related to health and safety. The vote occurred at a time when face masks are necessary in stores and on public transport owing to the coronavirus outbreak. The leader of the right-wing populist swiss People's party (SVP), Marco Chiesa, expressed his satisfaction at the outcome and led the drive for a vote. On Blick TV, he stated, "We are happy."
The so-called anti-burqa vote was the result of years of discussion in switzerland, even though women wearing Islamic full-face veils are an extremely uncommon sight on swiss streets. Similar prohibitions had already been implemented in other european nations as well as in several states with a majority of Muslims.
On a 50.8 percent turnout, 1,426,992 people supported the ban while 1,359,621 opposed it. The burqa and the niqab were not specifically included in the proposition "Yes to a ban on full facial coverings". However, campaign posters saying "Stop radical Islam!" and "Stop extremism!", portraying a lady in a black niqab -- which leaves on the eyes showing -- were plastered across swiss cities. Opposing posters said, "No to an absurd, useless, and Islamophobic 'anti-burqa' law".
The prohibition will mean that nobody may conceal their face entirely in public -- whether in stores or the open countryside. However, there will be some exceptions, such as for houses of worship and for reasons related to health and safety. The vote occurred at a time when face masks are necessary in stores and on public transport owing to the coronavirus outbreak. The leader of the right-wing populist swiss People's party (SVP), Marco Chiesa, expressed his satisfaction at the outcome and led the drive for a vote. On Blick TV, he stated, "We are happy."
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