Swiss voters narrowly supported a ban on burqas and other full-face coverings in one of the most contentious referendums yet in the country’s unique system of direct democracy, and a further sign that a pushback against Islam is gaining ground in Europe.
A wafer-thin majority of 51% of those taking part voted to outlaw full-face coverings in public compared with 49% against, according to provisional officials results of Sunday’s vote, though face-masks to slow the spread of Covid-19 will be permitted, and burqas and niqab veils will still be allowed to be worn in places of worship.
Switzerland’s government had opposed the proposal, and some opponents of the ban accused right-wing groups of using the issue to whip up anti-Muslim sentiment. During the campaign period, Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter remarked that “you’d almost think we live in Kabul,” while supporters described the possibility that women might wear face coverings as a break with Swiss values.
Some cantons, or states, of the Alpine nation previously outlawed full-face coverings in regional votes. A nationwide referendum in 2009 also saw Swiss voters support a proposal to ban the construction of minarets for mosques.
Swiss people are given a direct say in their own affairs under the country’s system of direct democracy. They are regularly invited to vote on various issues in national or regional referendums.
It is not the first time Islam has figured in a Swiss referendum. In 2009 citizens went against government advice and voted to ban the building of minarets – a proposal also put forward by the SVP which said minarets were a sign of Islamisation.
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