Parliament has set a maximum fine of CHF 1,000 for wearing a burka in public.
Voters narrowly approved the anti-burka initiative in March 2021 by 51%. All parties were against it, except the right-wing Swiss People’s Party.
But highlighting the problems of framing the law, there are plenty of exceptions.
The law bans hiding your face in public. Eyes, nose and mouth must be visible in all public spaces.
But surgical masks are allowed, as are hoods on the ski slopes. There will also be some allowances for those on public demonstrations. The Justice Minister, Elizabeth Baume-Schneider, says some people may want to hide their identities, such as on a march against sexual abuse.
So far, the only cantons that have a ban on the burka are Ticino and Sankt Gallen. Prosecutors in Sankt Gallen say they have never received a complaint.
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