A ban on face coverings will apply in Switzerland from the beginning of 2025
Published: Tuesday, Dec 24th 2024, 10:50
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From New Year's Day, no one will be allowed to cover their face in public places anywhere in Switzerland. The "burqa ban" passed by the people in 2021 will then apply. Anyone who does not comply will face an immediate fine of one hundred francs. But there are a number of exceptions.
The ban on face coverings is the first time that clothing regulations have been enshrined in the Swiss constitution. However, the new law implementing the so-called burqa initiative is likely to affect only a few people.
The ban and possible fines could particularly affect Muslim female tourists who wear face veils such as the burqa or niqab. Whether guests from the Near and Middle East will stay away from Switzerland as a result, as feared by tourism experts, remains to be seen.
Law for the few
Around 400,000 Muslims live in Switzerland. According to the Federal Council, only a few of them cover their faces.
However, the new law implementing the so-called burqa initiative does not only cover religious face coverings. The ban is also aimed at hooligans at sporting events or violent demonstrators who cover their faces.
Former SVP party president Marco Chiesa saw the ban as a "clear sign against radical Islam, against masked chaos and for the peaceful coexistence of people in Switzerland" after the referendum was won with 51.2 percent of votes in favor.
The so-called Egerkingen Committee was behind the burqa initiative approved by the people and cantons in 2021. This committee also launched the initiative against the construction of minarets, which was adopted in 2009.
Cold protection and carnival mask permitted
More than half of the cantons already have a ban on face coverings at demonstrations. Ticino was the first canton to introduce a ban on face coverings in 2016, followed by St. Gallen in 2019. However, the new federal regulations override the cantonal laws.
The national law provides for a whole series of exceptions to the ban on face coverings. For example, face coverings are still permitted in places of worship, at carnival, on Halloween, to protect against the cold or for health protection. Authorities can also authorize face coverings at demonstrations if they are necessary to exercise the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
Face veils also remain legal on airplanes and in diplomatic and consular premises. The veil is also permitted for artistic and entertaining performances and for advertising purposes.
Switzerland is not alone
After the referendum, critics of the ban on veils spoke of a "worrying signal to all minorities". A burqa ban would neither prevent religious radicalization nor contribute to equality, said Tamara Funiciello, Co-President of the SP Women.
Muslims in Switzerland reported fear. "We don't know what's coming next. In France, we saw an increase in violence after the introduction of the veil ban," said Pascal Gemperli, spokesman for the Federation of Islamic Umbrella Organizations in Switzerland.
Unlike the minaret initiative, Switzerland is not alone with its nationwide ban on face coverings. France has had a ban on veils since 2011. Austria, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands followed suit.
Violations of the ban on wearing a face covering can be punished by the police with fines. These amount to 100 francs, which can be paid directly on the spot. If someone refuses to do so, they will be subject to ordinary proceedings. The maximum fine is then 1000 francs. In the canton of St. Gallen, not a single offense was punished in the first five years following the introduction of the burqa ban.
©Keystone/SDA
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