Up to a thousand francs fine for violating the ban on veiling
Published: Wednesday, Nov 6th 2024, 12:10
Back to Live Feed
From January 1, 2025, it will no longer be permitted to cover your face in public places in Switzerland. Fines of up to one thousand francs are envisaged for violations. This has been decided by the Federal Council.
It has brought the corresponding law implementing the so-called burqa initiative into force at the beginning of the year. The corresponding ordinance will also apply from this date, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. Parliament adopted the bill implementing the popular initiative "Yes to a ban on the burqa" in September 2023.
The ban does not only apply to religious face coverings. For example, the new law also covers hooligans or violent demonstrators who wear face coverings.
However, there are numerous exceptions. Face coverings are still permitted in places of worship, at carnivals, 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.
©Keystone/SDA
English 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Arabic