The decision is a blow to the government
In what will be seen as a major defeat for the government and parliament, voters have decided to ban the burka.
51.2% said face coverings should be banned - with an 18-canton majority. Geneva bucked the trend with 51% saying they shouldn’t. Other cantons which also went against the majority were Zurich, Bern, Basel City, Graubünden and maybe somewhat surprisingly, Appenzell Ausser Rhoden but with less than 350 votes. The canton is normally seen as very conservative.
The government said the ban was unnecessary as there are very few people in the country who routinely wear a face covering - thought to be only 30 – and cantons can rule on the issue themselves, some have already done so.
Those against the move say it’s anti-Islamic ‘symbol’ politics and didn’t solve any real problem. But those in favour, such as the Swiss People’s Party, say it’s needed to fight against anti-democratic Islamist values.
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