Several other European countries have already applied similar prohibitions.
LONDON – Voters in Switzerland narrowly approved a controversial proposal to ban full-face coverage in public.
A national referendum on the proposed measure was held on Sunday and 51.21% of voters supported it, according to provisional results released by the Swiss Federal Council, which functions as the country’s federal government.
The move will make it illegal for people in Switzerland to completely cover their faces in restaurants, shops, sports stadiums, public transport and even on the streets. The ban includes burqas and niqabs, worn by Muslim women, as well as ski masks and bandanas, which are often worn by protesters. There will be exceptions for religious sites, such as mosques, for “native customs”, such as traditional Swiss carnival celebrations, and for health reasons, such as masks for protection against COVID-19.
Swiss lawmakers now have two years to draft detailed legislation to enact a ban across the country.
Switzerland joins a growing list of other European countries, including Belgium, Denmark and France, which have put similar bans in place.
The proposal was launched in 2016 by the Egerkingen Committee, which is composed of several members of the Swiss People’s Party, a right-wing nationalist. The same group also initiated a national ban on the construction of new minaret towers in mosques that voters approved in 2009.
The Swiss federal government has opposed the move, arguing that full-face coverage is not a problem in the country and that such a law would harm tourism.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have criticized the ban as discriminatory and dangerous. About 5.5% of the 8.5 million Swiss are Muslims, according to the latest data published by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office.
“After the vote to ban minarets, Swiss voters once again approved an initiative that discriminates against a particular religious community, unnecessarily fueling division and fear,” said Cyrielle Huguenot, head of women’s rights at Amnesty International’s office in Switzerland in a statement on Sunday. “The ban on the full veil cannot be seen as a measure that frees women. On the contrary, it is a dangerous and symbolic policy that violates the rights to freedom of expression and religion. ”
“We call on elected politicians and the government to unequivocally support the fundamental rights of religious minorities in the country and commit to peaceful coexistence. Authorities must take steps to ensure that the ban on the full veil does not marginalize or exclude women in question. of public space, “added Huguenot. “The authorities must now strengthen measures to protect women who suffer real violence and discrimination in Switzerland, regardless of their religion and origin.”
Christine Theodorou of ABC News contributed to this report.