Switzerland Bans Face-Covering Garments Effective January 1, 2025, with Fines Up to $1,100

Jan 1, 2025, 05:18 PM

Switzerland has officially implemented a ban on face-covering garments, including burqas, niqabs, balaclavas, and football fan masks, in public spaces starting January 1, 2025. The law, passed through a public referendum in 2021 with 51.2% approval, imposes fines ranging from 100 to 1,000 Swiss francs ($110 to $1,100) for violations. Exceptions to the ban include religious sites, traditional carnivals, and extreme weather conditions. Local authorities will monitor compliance with the law. The Swiss government estimates that the ban will affect a small portion of the country's 400,000 Muslim residents, as only about 20 to 30 women wear the niqab. Similar bans are already in place in other European countries, including France, Belgium, and Austria.