Federal Council rejects constitutional facial coverings ban, accepts provisions in law
Bern, 20.12.2017 - The Federal Council rejects the popular initiative "Yes to a ban on full facial coverings". It takes the view that, as is currently the case, the cantons should decide for themselves whether or not to ban facial coverings in public places. Where a covered face is problematic, and federal-level regulation is appropriate, the Federal Council is proposing targeted action at the legislative level. Any forced facial covering would be punished by special statutory provisions. The Federal Council has also drawn a line where contact with the authorities is concerned: In the interests of trust and confidence, faces must be uncovered so that the authorities know with whom they are dealing. In its meeting on 20 December 2017, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP to draw up the corresponding consultation draft by the end of June 2018.