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Swiss 'burqa ban' to take effect from 2025

Violations will incur fines up to 1,144 USD

Swiss 'burqa ban' to take effect from 2025

A campaign poster, in favor of the "burqa ban" initiative reading in French: "Stop extremism!" is seen in Vevey Switzerland on March 7, 2021.

Reuters

Ban follows narrow 2021 referendum victory

Religious sites, planes exempt from restriction

Health, safety, weather coverings permitted

A contentious Swiss prohibition on facial coverings in public spaces widely known as the "burqa ban" will take effect on Jan. 1, the government said on Wednesday.

Narrowly passed in a 2021 referendum in neutral Switzerland, and condemned by Muslim associations, the measure was launched by the same group that organized a 2009 ban on new minarets.

The governing Federal Council said in a statement it had fixed the start of the ban, and that anyone who unlawfully flouts it faces a fine of up to 1,000 Swiss francs ($1,144).

The ban does not apply to planes or in diplomatic and consular premises, and faces may also be covered in places of worship and other sacred sites, the government said.

Some exceptions permitted

Facial coverings will remain permitted for reasons relating to health and safety, for native customs, or due to weather conditions, it said.

They would also be allowed on artistic and entertainment grounds and for advertising, it added.

If such coverings are needed for personal protection in exercising freedom of expression and assembly, they should be permitted provided the responsible authority has already approved them and public order is not compromised, it said.

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