Switzerland bans burqa, women may face fine upto £6,500 under new rules

Zurich, Nov 26: Switzerland's Ticino state has put a ban on wearing veil or burqa or nikab in public places like shops, restaurants or public buildings, media reported.

The ban was approved by the Ticino government after a referendum in September 2013 saw two in three voters supported the move, reported The Daily Mail.

Ticino an Italian-speaking region in southern Switzerland, is known for its palm-lined lakes and the Mediterranean flavour of its architecture and cuisine.

According to the new rules, yet to come into force, women could be fined ranging from100 francs (£65) to £6,500 for wearing burqa in public places in the state.

The local government wanted to put a ban burqas as well as masks worn by demonstrators and balaclavas, however MPs voted only for ban on burqa. No exceptions will be made for tourists.

Visitors coming into Ticino will be informed at airports and by customs officers at the Italian border it is illegal for people to hide their face under a burqa or niqab, while in the state.

France, home to biggest Muslim population in western Europe, was the first European country to put a ban on burqa in 2010. Islamic groups termed the move discriminatory.

OneIndia News