Islamophobia: Is Switzerland set to ban the burqa?

Robert Carter
Press TV, London

Switzerland is a country which holds regular referendums, however, an upcoming vote on March 7th could see Muslim women banned from wearing the Islamic face veil by law. If successful, the vote would see Switzerland become the latest European country to join the list of Islamophobic nations which discriminate against Muslims in law.

Will Switzerland ban the burqa? That is the question being asked by many Swiss Muslims ahead of an upcoming referendum which seeks a total ban on all face coverings in public.

If successful, Muslim women who wear Islamic face veils will be banned from doing so after March 7th.

Now, the text of the proposed ban doesn’t mention Muslim veils per say, stating only that “no one shall cover their face in public.” However, the group behind the proposal includes members of right-wing groups – who were also behind the successful 2009 bid to ban Islamic minarets.”

In response, local Muslim activists have begun a SAVE THE NIQAB campaign to challenge the hate.

Islamophobia has penetrated deep into Swiss society. With a recent poll finding that 63% of those questioned would vote in favor of a “burqa ban,” leaving Swiss Muslims with little hope.

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