Switzerland to Ban Full-Face Coverings in Public

November 7, 2024 – Switzerland has announced a ban on the burqa set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The Swiss Federal Council confirmed the date in an official statement, outlining that the law will prevent women from wearing full-face coverings in public spaces across the country.

Under the new legislation, Muslim women will be prohibited from wearing the burqa in public. Those who violate the law will face fines exceeding 1,000 dollars.

However, the ban will not apply in certain circumstances. Face coverings will still be allowed in places of worship, and exceptions will be made for health and safety reasons. Additionally, burqas will still be permitted in entertainment and advertising settings, as well as at airports and embassies.

The decision follows Switzerland’s 2021 vote to impose a nationwide ban on full-face coverings, which sparked strong criticism from Muslim organizations and human rights groups. The new law has reignited debates over freedom of religion and personal choice in Switzerland, with opponents arguing that it infringes on individual rights.