BERN: The Swiss Federal Council has announced the proposal of a draft law to ban face covering in public places. Burqas, veils and niqabs will be included in the ban, but the law will come into effect only if the legislature gives the green light.

According to international media, violators of the law will have to face fines of up to 1,000 francs (Rs. 82,488). Meanwhile, face coverings will be allowed for those with health problems, security issues, problems due to climatic changes, and those practicing local customs. The ban will not apply to diplomatic and consular offices, airplanes and places of worship. Only masks will be allowed to be worn in public places as protection against Covid.

A proposal to ban face coverings in public was first approved in a referendum in 2021. In March 2021, a poll was conducted among the public in this regard. 51.21 percent voted in favor of the ban. Five percent of Switzerland's population is Muslim.

In a statement issued by the Swiss Cabinet, the decision to ban face coverings was made to ensure public safety and order. Countries in Europe such as Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands and Bulgaria have also introduced partial or complete bans on face coverings in public.