Switzerland Bans Burqa: Here's The List Of Countries That Have Banned Muslim Women From Wearing Islamic Veil

Switzerland has become the latest country to ban women from wearing burqa in public places.

The Lower House of Parliament in Switzerland on Wednesday passed legislation on face coverings, worn by Muslim women. Although centrists and Greens had reservations about the legislation, it was passed with 151-29 votes.

The legislation had got the upper house's nod in 2021 and it has been moved by the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party. The enactment follows a nationwide vote in 2021, where Swiss citizens sanctioned a ban on niqabs with eye slits, burqas, ski masks, and bandanas.

It has now become a law in the country with 1,000 Swiss francs (around $1,100) fine for violators.

The initiative to legally ban the burqa was taken by the Swiss People's Party (SVP) members associated with the Egerkinger Komitee. This committee orchestrated efforts to resist the influence of political Islam in Switzerland.

However, the referendum to ban the burqa in the country was criticised by Muslim groups.

Ines El-Shikh, a spokesperson for the Purple Headscarves, a group representing Muslim women, expressed concerns to AFP news agency, stating that "there are only 30 women in burqas in Switzerland."

Switzerland's Islamic Central Council highlighted that the vote was indicative of the prevalence of anti-Muslim sentiments across the nation. The ban encompasses concealing the nose, mouth, and eyes in both public spaces and private establishments accessible to the public, with certain exceptions.

However, here is the list of countries which have already banned women from wearing burqa in public places:

• France
• China
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Sri Lanka
• Germany
• Austria
• Bulgaria
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Sweden
• Republic of the Congo