At the referendum held in Switzerland, the majority of the country's citizens spoke in favor of a legislative ban on wearing clothing that completely hides the face in public places.
This is primarily about the traditional attire of Muslim women – burqa and niqab.
More than 51% of the referendum participants were in favor of the ban, and about 49% were against.
According to the will of the majority of Swiss citizens, it will not be possible to use public transport, go to shops, sports and cultural institutions in such clothes.
As an exception, it is allowed to wear the burqa and niqab for medical reasons, as well as in places of worship.
The Central Islamic Council of Switzerland has already expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the results of the referendum and said that the country's government must resolutely stand up for the interests of Muslims and protect them from discrimination. The opinion of the council was also supported by the human rights organization Amnesty International.
It is worth noting that earlier the government recommended not to impose a ban on wearing such clothes, but to limit itself to the adoption of a law that would oblige women to open their faces at the request of law enforcement officers, for example, to establish their identity.
