Muslims cry foul after Switzerland bans face coverings
The referendum saw just about 51.2 per cent of Swiss voters vote in ban the veil in public spaces except places of worship.
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FollowSwitzerland has voted in favour of a ban on face coverings, including the burqa, in public places. However, face masks worn for health reasons are exempt from the ban.
The referendum saw just about 51.2 per cent of Swiss voters vote to ban the veil in public spaces except for places of worship.Â
The referendum proposal was opposed by the Swiss Parliament and government which instead favoured forcing people to lift the veil when sought by officials for identification.
The referendum outcome has been slammed by the Muslim outfits in the country, who said that the move undermines the values that the country stands for and will stigmatise and marginalise the Muslim community.
In a statement, Amnesty International termed the referendum result as anti-Muslim.Â
The human rights watchdog said that Swiss voters had okayed an initiative that discriminates against one religious community, in particular, thereby fueling division and fear.
However, there are some who believe that such legislation was needed.
Some Swiss MPs termed facial covering as a symbol of extreme Islam which has no place in Switzerland.
Switzerland has in the past banned minarets in the country.
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