Swiss parliament approves ban on full face coverings

(Patria) - The lower house of the Swiss parliament has passed a law banning face coverings, such as burqas worn by some Muslim women, AP reported.

The National Council voted 151 to 29 in favour of the law, which has already been approved by the upper house.
It was pushed through by the right-wing, populist Swiss People's Party, easily overcoming
the reservations expressed by centrists and the Greens.

The move follows a referendum two years ago when voters narrowly approved a ban on niqabs and burqas, as well as ski masks and bandanas worn by some protesters.

By passing it in the lower house, parliament has incorporated the ban into federal law and set a fine of up to 1,000 francs for offenders.

The measure prohibits covering the nose, mouth, and eyes in public spaces and private buildings
accessible to the public, although it allows for some exceptions.

Few women in Switzerland wear full face coverings like burqas, which are perhaps best known as clothing worn in Afghanistan.

Two cantons, Ticino and St. Gallen, already have similar laws. With national legislation,
Switzerland will align with countries like Belgium and France that have adopted similar measures.