Switzerland has enacted a ban on burqas and niqabs

From January 1, 2025, the Swiss authorities have introduced fines for wearing face-hiding clothing and closet items in public places.

Fines ranging from $110,200 to $1,100 will be imposed for violating the ban.

The banned clothing will include the clothes of Muslim believers - niqab and burqa, as well as balaclavas worn by soccer fans. Wearing these items of closet is prohibited in restaurants, state institutions, in public transportation, but they can continue to be worn at carnivals, places of worship, as well as for protection from the cold, writes TASS.

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter noted that this ban will affect a small part of 400 thousand Muslims living in the country. Of these, only about 20-30 women wear the niqab.

In September 2023, the Swiss parliament passed the bill two years after a referendum in which 51% of the population supported the ban on wearing face-covering clothing in public places.