Swiss People's Party Moves to Roll Out Burka Ban Nationwide

by DONNA RACHEL EDMUNDS
Breitbart
Mar. 18, 2016

Switzerland could be the next European country to ban wearing the burka in public if campaigners are able to secure enough support for a national referendum. The Swiss canton of Ticino last year banned the wearing of the garments, prompting a country-wide debate on whether to roll the ban out nationally. Three years ago the people of Ticino, an Italian-speaking canton in southern Switzerland, voted to ban the public wearing of the burka, which fully covers the face and body. Women caught wearing the garment, including tourists to the region, face fines of £6,500.

"Those who want to integrate are welcome irrespective of their religion," explained Giorgio Ghiringhelli, who wrote the proposal. "But those who rebuff our values and aim to build a parallel society based on religious laws, and want to place it over our society, are not welcome."

Last November, following assurances from the Swiss parliament that the measure does not violate federal law, the ban was enacted prompting a nationwide debate on the matter. Some states say they would welcome a similar ban, while others have come out against the idea. However, Member of Parliament Walter Wobmann of the Swiss People's Party is confident that the idea is a popular one.

Mr. Wobmann is spearheading a campaign to collect 100,000 signatures within the next year, in order to hold a national referendum on the issue. If successful, Swiss citizens will get to vote on enacting a similar law to that in Ticino, which specifically prohibits Muslim head-dress. Exceptions would be made for mosques and other religious locations, as well as those who wear a veil for medical reasons or as protection against the cold during winter.

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