Swiss Government Advises Nationals to Reject Burqa Ban

Geneva, MINA – The Swiss Federal Council has urged citizens to vote against a right-wing petition to impose a nationwide ban on burqa or face-veil.

The council instead proposes bill to consider forcing another person to wear face-veil as an illegal act, KUNA reported, citing Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga at a news conference in Bonne Wednesday.

She explained that the council believed that it is up to cantons to decide on how they regulate people in public spaces and that nationwide restrictions are only appropriate to prevent coercion of women.

The so-called “Burqa Ban” initiative was presented with enough signatures by the rightwing Swiss People’s Party in September to be put forward for public vote.

Far-right groups have successfully petitioned for a nationwide referendum on the issue, but no date has yet been set for the vote. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)