Swiss canton set to ban full-face veil. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Switzerland’s Italian-language broadcaster RSI on Sunday revealed a partial count of votes in Italian-speaking Swiss canton (state) of Ticino which showed that 65% of the electorates have supported the measure to restrict the covering of faces in public areas by any group, including Muslims.
Referendums are the foundation of Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, where citizen-campaigners able to force votes if they collect enough signatures from voters. If the measure passes, it will be the first time that any of the 26 cantons imposes such a ban.
Widely dubbed the ‘anti-burqa’ initiative, the measure does not single out Muslims directly. But it was the brainchild of activists known for their criticism of Islamists, and has been slammed by Swiss Muslim community and Amnesty International.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2013.
COMMENTS (19)
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@RM
Swiss is NOT Karachi, I hope you can appreciate the difference
@Saleem: Leave the country and go where you are comfortable and can practice your faith and lifestyles.
@Syedpk: Arabs are a desert people and they need to cover against sandstorms and strong sunlight.this is uncomfortable in hot and humid climate.One needs to go according the the local weather conditions
@RM: When people and women without burqas have no security how can covering ones face give security.You cannot even get to see who is attacking you!
@Syedpk:
You meant "Indian Tradition" and not arab tradition per say. In fact they stiil do in Indian territory and for non muslims.
Rex Minor
Next time please support the measure to restrict the covering of body in public areas by any group.
@RM: You are right. Its a "sense" of security, not actual security! Plus, bringing traffic to a halt is not actually an accomplishment of the burqa itself! People may stop because they are concerned these women cannot see where they are going!
@RM: The answer is that "they stop out of fear as they do not know if there is a terrorist in the burqa or an ordinary woman?".
@Sane: Nobody is or will, but this is going to be the norm in Europe and Americas more and more.
Dear liberals, Please don't ask Pakistan to follow the suite.
I am a Muslim, and I believe in my religion. And I see nothing wrong in this, face covering is not compulsory in Islam, this particular aspect has got more to do with Arab tradition then with the religion. This can be banned as it can be a security risk, and from my personal opinion a nuisance.
@Sarosh: Talk about freedom of Ahmadis first before talking about Swiss
and they talk about personal freedom ...
The Swiss are to be congratulated for this progressive initiative.
Buq gives the ladies a sense of security. If in doubt, watch ladies crossing streets in Karachi. Ones with the burqa will stride onto a street and bring the traffic to a halt.
Very sane decision. Full face coverings must be banned on the basis of safety and security. I do not want anyone approaching me with a full face mask, either male or female or either adult or child. Police composite/sketch artist, "Can you describe the person?' Witness 'No and I couldn't see his or her face, he or she had a full veil over it''. In addition, the full face covering leads to alienation and segregation. How can a full faced women participate in a group discussion at school, when people don't see who she is addressing? Who would hire a women in a burqa? There is also the argument of oppression of women, but ultimately this should not be the decisive argument to ban these face covering. There are a few women that aren't forced to wear the burqa/niqaab, but do it willingly.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/601720/second-amendment-anniversary-speakers-call-for-isolation-banishment-of-ahmadis/ Before criticizing Switzerland,please read this.