(Swiss Info) Supporters of a people’s initiative to ban face coverings in public have carried the vote with a majority of 51.2%.
A decade after another national vote that banned the building of minarets, Switzerland will introduce a clause in its constitution to outlaw face coverings, including the Islamic burka and niqab, in public spaces.
In doing so, it will join five other European countries, including neighbours France and Austria, who have already banned such garments in public.
Exceptions to the law will include face coverings for reasons of security, climate, or health — which means protective masks worn against Covid-19 are acceptable. Niqabs and burkas will still be allowed in places of worship.
