Another regional ‘burka ban’ goes to a vote in Switzerland

A second Swiss canton will vote Sunday on whether to introduce a regional “burka ban”, a controversial law that would prohibit all face-covering garments in public spaces.

The ballot in northeastern St Gallen is to be held as voters across the country also determine whether a moratorium on genetically modified crops should become a full out ban.

St Gallen is expected to follow the example of the southern canton of Ticino, where a law was introduced two years ago which appeared to be aimed at burkas and other Muslim veils.

A text stipulating that “any person who renders themselves unrecognisable by covering their face in a public space, and thus endangers public security or social and religious peace will be fined” was adopted by lawmakers in St Gallen late last year.

That law passed the regional parliament with support from the populist right and centre parties – but the issue is being put to the people after the Green Party and Young Socialists demanded a referendum.