Swiss Referendum: 51.21% voters seek ban on full-face coverings in public places

Even as government of Switzerland repeatedly called on voters to reject a proposal to ban burqas and niqabs in public places, Central European nation on Sunday narrowly exercised ir votes in favour of banning full facial coverings in almost all public places, exempting places of worship.

A group including members of right-wing Swiss People's Party collected 100,000 signatures in a survey for a ban on full-face coverings. While 51.21 percent of people voted for ban of niqabs and burqas, at least 48% voted against ban, government included.

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Ban on full-face coverings can impact Swiss tourism?

Switzerland government has time and again cited reasons and asked its citizens to vote against ban. According to Wall Street Journal, Swiss government referred to 8.5 million populace and pointed that Muslim population is comparatively very small. government warned voters and right-wing groups against ban on burqas and niqabs, as it could have an impact on Switzerland's tourism sector, authorities claimed.

 
What moderate Muslim women say

Moderate Muslim and a people's representative Saida Keller-Messahli founded group called Forum for a Progressive Islam. She has been vocal against government's claims in asking voters to reject ban on full-face coverings. She allegedly calls steps against ban to be influenced by 'totalitarian ideology'. A day before Switzerland voted against burqas and niqabs, she tweeted (roughly translated from Swiss), "Tomorrow, Switzerland will join or countries which have banned wearing of full veil—a misogynistic symbol—in public spaces. I am sure of it."

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Many progressive Muslim women and prominent people's representatives in country have been vocal against government's claims. Tamara Funicello of left-leaning Social Democratic Party clearly raised objections to claims of Swiss government and "strongly objected to idea of government telling women what y can wear and what y can't".

Earlier in 2009, a survey was conducted where people in Switzerland were asked to franchise ir votes over a proposal that called to ban construction of minarets and mosques. Referendums in Switzerland have always touched upon most sensitive issues, however, right-wing group and Swiss People's Party have clarified that this ban does not revolve around Muslim women only. Meanwhile, face masks and covers are still allowed in country, given pandemic situation, while burqas and niqabs must still be worn by women in sacred places.

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