Federal Council opposes ban on full facial coverings
Bern, 19.1.2021 - The Swiss electorate will vote on 7 March on the popular initiative ‘Yes to a ban on full facial coverings’. The Federal Council and Parliament recommend that voters reject the initiative. Very few people in Switzerland wear a full facial covering. A nationwide ban would undermine the sovereignty of the cantons, damage tourism and be unhelpful for certain groups of women. Instead, the Federal Council and Parliament favour an indirect counter-proposal, which would require persons to show their face to the authorities if this is necessary for identification purposes.