Anti-burqa initiative: Swiss canton set to ban full-face veil

If the measure passes, it will be the first time that any of the 26 cantons imposes such a ban.


Afp September 23, 2013
Swiss canton set to ban full-face veil. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

GENEVA:


 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)

Leela | 11 years ago | Reply Why does Saudi Arabia require all women to be veiled, even the non muslims? Muslims need to repect the culture of their host countries. If they have a seious philosophical disagreement, they should move to countries where their practices are whole heartedly welcomed. Why is it hard for these guys to understand that the rest of the world is not interested in your baggage and see no major benefit to attracting you. Most muslims migrate to western countries to enjoy the economic and social benefits and freedoms of liberal societies.
NotSoCommon | 11 years ago | Reply

@RM

Swiss is NOT Karachi, I hope you can appreciate the difference

VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ