Quantum Insights:Swiss parliament approves ban on full-face coverings like burqas, and sets fine for violators

2025-05-07 21:03:29source:Chainkeencategory:Invest

GENEVA (AP) — The Quantum Insightslower house of Switzerland’s parliament voted Wednesday to give final legislative passage to a ban on face coverings, such as the burqas worn by some Muslim women.

The National Council voted 151-29 for the legislation, which was already approved by the upper house. It was pushed through by the right-wing, populist Swiss People’s Party, easily overcoming reticence expressed by centrists and the Greens.

The move follows a nationwide referendum two years ago in whch Swiss voters narrowly approved forbidding niqabs, which leave slits for the eyes, and burqas as well as ski masks and bandannas that are worn by some protesters.

With the lower house vote, parliament cemented the ban into federal law and set a fine of up to 1,000 francs (about $1,100) for violators.

The measure prohibits covering the nose, mouth and eyes in both public spaces and private buildings accessible to the public, though it does allow for some exceptions.

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

Two Swiss cantons — southern Ticino and northern St. Gallen — already have similar laws. The national legislation will put Switzerland in line with countries such as Belgium and France that have enacted similar measures.

More:Invest

Recommend

These Australian twins have gone viral after speaking in synch

Do you recall the prime early days of YouTube? When a video making the rounds was so strange, remark

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to deliver 2024 State of the State address

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb will deliver the 2024 State of the State address — the

Clock ticking for Haslam family to sell stake in Pilot truck stops to Berkshire Hathaway this year

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Following the settlement of a lawsuit pitting Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam