Switzerland Implements Ban on Face Coverings in Public Spaces
As of today, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, Switzerland's government has officially enforced a ban on all types of face coverings in public spaces. This includes the niqab and burqa, as well as masks worn by football fans.
This decision follows a 2021 public referendum in which 51.2% of Swiss citizens voted in favor of restricting face coverings, citing conflicts with Swiss social communication values.
Previously, partial bans had been implemented in the cantons of St. Gallen and Ticino, but the prohibition is now applicable nationwide.
The ban covers all public spaces, including streets, markets, public transportation, and museums. Violators of the ban will face fines ranging from 100 to 1,000 Swiss francs (approximately $110 to $1,102).
However, the law provides exceptions for medical or security purposes, such as wearing health masks or protection against the cold. Cultural and religious events may also be exempted under specific conditions.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter emphasized that the ban will only impact a small number of Muslim women, as it is estimated that only 20 to 30 women in Switzerland wear the niqab out of a Muslim population of approximately 400,000.
Despite this, the decision has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that the ban infringes on women’s rights to choose their clothing.
It is worth noting that Switzerland is not the only country to enforce such a ban. Several other European nations, including France, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands, have implemented similar restrictions.
Source: Agencies