Switzerland implemented a federal law this year that prohibits covering one’s face in public, which was approved by a referendum in 2021.
Swiss authorities have issued their first fine under the new nationwide face-covering ban after a woman in Zurich was seen wearing a burqa in public. The news was reported by local media outlet Blick, citing police spokesperson Michael Walker.
The widely discussed “burqa ban” is a federal law that forbids face coverings in public areas. This includes Muslim garments like burqas and niqabs, as well as masks and balaclavas worn by protesters or sports fans. Walker, citing privacy laws, did not disclose the woman’s age or specifics about her attire, but did confirm that she was “not a tourist.” He also stated that the woman declined to pay the 100 Swiss franc ($110) fine, so the case will now be handled by the cantonal governor’s office.
The ban originated from a 2021 Swiss referendum that passed narrowly with 51.2% of the vote, following a campaign in favor of the ban led by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party. While initially intended to target “radical Islam,” the law also aims to enhance public safety by prohibiting masks at protests and sporting events. Violators face an immediate fine of 100 francs, which can increase to 1,000 francs if challenged in court.
The law provides exceptions for health reasons, cold weather, carnival celebrations, religious worship in designated areas, air travel, and certain diplomatic or performance-related situations.
Prior to the enactment of the federal law, over half of the Swiss cantons had already established bans on face coverings during demonstrations. However, the new national law takes precedence over cantonal laws.
Critics have argued that the law unfairly targets Switzerland’s Muslim community, which numbers 400,000, and only a small percentage of whom wear face veils. The Swiss government initially opposed the measure, deeming it excessive and suggesting it could negatively impact tourism. Muslim organizations in the country also condemned the law.
However, supporters have argued that the ban addresses broader public security issues. Last year, Zurich police issued 98 fines to masked individuals participating in protests and sports-related riots. Authorities in Bern also enforced similar cantonal bans against football hooligans.
France first introduced bans on the burqa, a full-body covering with mesh over the eyes, and the niqab, a face veil with a slit for the eyes, in 2011. Since then, full or partial bans on face coverings have also been implemented in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Spain.