(Swiss Info) The Swiss government wants fines of up to CHF1,000 ($1,000) for people who break a ban on face coverings in public places.
This is part of a bill sent to parliament on Wednesday to implement the so-called “burqa ban” proposed by right-wingers, which won a narrow victory in a referendum last year. Although known as the “burqa ban,” it applies, for example, to masked football fans as well as a Muslim woman wearing a niqab.
Plans for fines up to CHF10,000 have been dropped after consultations, as this was considered disproportionate. Implementation of the ban will be done through a new law and not by amending the penal code, as originally proposed. This is more appropriate to ensure public security and order, the government says.
