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Switzerland appears to have narrowly voted in favour of banning face coverings in public, including the burka or niqab worn by Muslim women, following a controversial referendum.
Projections by broadcaster SRF show the measure passing by 52% to 48%.
Sunday's referendum was put forward by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) which campaigned with slogans such as "Stop extremism".
A leading Swiss Islamic group said it was "a dark day" for Muslims.
"Today's decision opens old wounds, further expands the principle of legal inequality, and sends a clear signal of exclusion to the Muslim minority," the Central Council of Muslims said in a statement.
Ahead of the vote, Walter Wobmann, chairman of the referendum committee and an SVP lawmaker, described Muslim face coverings as "a symbol for this extreme, political Islam which has become increasingly prominent in Europe and which has no place in Switzerland".
"In Switzerland our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms," he said.
I'm just wondering whether Swiss cops would be able to distinguish between an Islamic face covering and a Covid face-covering?
"In Switzerland our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms," he said.
As in any Western Democracy Walt , you know there's a problem when the Liberal Swiss vote to ban something.
originally posted by: gortex
a reply to: dug88
I have no problem with those wanting to practice Islam in the UK I have a problem with those trying to make this an Islamic country.
originally posted by: Waterglass
a reply to: gortex
I love the Swiss. Especially at the airport. Decades ago I was in Germany for two weeks on business as I was qualifying machinery for shipment to USA. At the check in gate they asked me if I received any gifts. I said YES and told them what it was and who from.
Then a female hottie in Swiss military uniform with a loaded sub machine gun escorted me to a private booth so I could be stripped down by myself to me undies. Fine I complied and didn't bitch. They cleared me in less than one minute and said they would go through my luggage. I had no objections. I had nothing or no reason to hide.
BECAUSE I was so cooperative she then explained that the primary way the terrorists blow up planes is to give a traveler a gift. She said because I was so nice to her she took me ahead of the international line. It probably saved me at least an hour of standing in lines etc.
Tall, blonde and big gunz. Und ya Austin Powers baby!
originally posted by: dug88
a reply to: gortex
"In Switzerland our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms," he said.
As in any Western Democracy Walt , you know there's a problem when the Liberal Swiss vote to ban something.
To be honest...i see basic freedom as the government not being allowed to dictate what i am and am not allowed to wear in public...
Not that i think burqas or even hijabs are that great and the reasons for wearing them are pretty #ty...but...
Enforcing the way someone can and cannot dress ia not really what i'd consider freedom.
originally posted by: halfoldman
Just wondering, but here in South Africa there is still a Covid 19 lock-down with required face-masks and sanitizing when entering public spaces.
I'm just wondering whether Swiss cops would be able to distinguish between an Islamic face covering and a Covid face-covering?
To impose, or even enforce, bans on any face covering to me at the moment just seems idiotic.
originally posted by: Waterglass
a reply to: M5xaz
Sorry, no IT WASN'T a THANK YOU GOD moment like the movie Animal House. I was in a private booth. She stood guard outside and inspected my clothes. I think they sniffed it for bomb trace elements. She never saw me naked.
DARN?
Yes to big "gunz"