European country announces ‘burqa ban’ start date

Wearing face coverings in public will be outlawed in Switzerland from January 1

A ban on wearing face coverings in public places in Switzerland will enter force on January 1, 2025, the government has announced. The contentious measure, widely known as the “burqa ban,” was approved in a nationwide referendum two years ago. 

The date for the ban to come into effect was set by the Federal Council, the highest executive authority in Switzerland, at a meeting on Wednesday.