There is a poster in support of the so-called’Burka Ban Act’ on the streets of Oberdorf, Nitwalden, central Switzerland. Oberdorf = EPA Yonhap News
In the future, you will not be able to cover your entire face in Switzerland and go to public places such as restaurants and shops. It is forbidden to wear a blindfolded’burka’ or a’nicap’ that covers only the eyes as a traditional dress of Muslim women.
According to local media such as Swiss Info and BBC Broadcasting in the UK, a referendum conducted on the 7th (local time) results in approximately 51% of the votes in favor of such provisions being introduced into the Constitution. According to the passed agenda, clothing that covers faces is not allowed in public places except for security, climate, and health reasons. To prevent the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19), masks can be worn and places of worship are excluded from the ban. In case of violation, a fine of up to 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately 12 million won) must be paid.
Proponents argue that this law is necessary to prevent drastic protesters who cover their faces. The bill did not use the words burka or nikab. However, on the promotion poster of the right-wing Swiss National Party, which led the campaign for favor, slogans such as’Stop radical Islamism’ and’Stop extremism’ are written on the image of a woman wearing a black nicap. In fact, this is why it is called the’Burkha Prohibition Act’. Currently, two areas have already banned burka from wearing in public places.
Opponents are concerned about the spread of Islamic hatred and the decline in the number of Muslim tourists visiting Switzerland. In particular, only about 30 women wear burka and nicap in Switzerland, and the legislation aimed at this is to emphasize only the negative Islamic image. Of the 8.6 million people in Switzerland, about 5% are Muslims, mostly from Turkey, Bosnia and Kosovo. The government and parliament have also proposed alternative legislation requiring the face shield to be removed upon request for identification.
The referendum came after years of debate following similar bans in other European countries. In Switzerland, with 100,000 signatures, any subject can be put on a referendum. Beginning with France in 2011, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, and Belgium are implementing laws that completely or partially ban clothing that covers the entire face.
Azalea reporter [email protected]
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