Swiss to vote on banning face veils in ‘Islamophobic’ referendum

Polls suggest voters will back the move for a ban in Sunday’s vote, reports Samuel Osborne

A poster featuring a frowning woman wearing a black face covering and the words: ‘Stop extremism! Veil ban - Yes' (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann)

Swiss citizens will vote on a proposal to ban full-face coverings such as Muslim veils and masks worn by protesters this weekend.

Opinion polls suggest most voters will back the move in a binding national referendum to be held on Sunday, though the lead has narrowed in recent weeks. While the proposal itself does not mention Islam, it has been dubbed the ‘burqa ban’ by MPs, campaigners and the media.

The campaign against face coverings has been led by the far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP), who argue the measures are needed against protesters who cover their faces and to combat terrorism. The SVP previously led a campaign which saw Swiss citizens vote to ban the building of new minarets in 2009.