UPDATED: Two more countries (European & Asian) ban the burqa

Can you guess which peaceful, prosperous, European country has voted to ban full facial coverings in public places? Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands and Sweden all have full or partial bans on religious (read: Islamic) and non-religious face coverings. This Sunday, they were joined by... wait for it... Switzerland.

Following years of debate, a referendum showed 51.2% of the conservative Swiss in favour of a ban. Why so? Here are quotes from three Swiss "influencers". 

• "In Switzerland our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms." — Walter Wobmann, member of the Swiss People's Party, the biggest political party in Switzerland.
• "Some Muslims also understood that the niqab is a clear symbol of radical Islam." — Jean-Luc Addor, member of the Swiss People's Party.
• "Saying yes to the ban on veiling is saying no to a totalitarian ideology that has no place in a democracy." — Saïda Keller-Messahli, founder and president of the Forum for a Progressive Islam (!!!)

The referendum reflects the determination of a majority of Swiss voters to preserve Swiss traditions and values in the face of runaway multiculturalism and the encroachment of political Islam.

Although the refernedum was known as "the burqa initiative", the ballot question didn't specifically mention burqas or niqabs, the face-coving garments worn by some Muslim women. Indeed, the face covering shown in the poster, appears to be a niqab. See "Hijab, niqab, burqa -- what's the difference?" WWW 28/7/10.

The ban encompasses most face coverings, including the bandanas and masks sometimes used by violent street protesters [Really? Can we get such a law here? Ed.], and applies to all public spaces, including parks, restaurants, shops, and public transport. 

The measure allows for some exceptions: health (anti-Covid masks); weather (scarves), safety (motorcycle helmets) and local customs (carnival costumes). Face coverings may also be worn inside houses of worship. In line with the Swiss system of direct democracy, the country's constitution will now be amended to incorporate the ban. The government has two years to draw up the necessary legislation. 

Further reading (and viewing): "'Ordinary Muslim' sez banning the burqa makes sense", WWW 18/1/19,

UPDATE ADDED 13/1/21: BBC News reports that Sri Lanka -- a country dear to Walt's heart -- has taken a significant step towards banning the burqa and other face coverings in public. The Asian country's Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara told the BBC that he had signed a cabinet order which now needs parliamentary approval. 

Officials say they expect the ban to be implemented very soon. The move was made for reasons of public safetey, nearly two years after a wave of co-ordinated attacks on hotels and churches on Easter Sunday of 2019.