In Switzerland, New Year brings ‘burqa ban’
Switzerland's controversial "burqa ban" along with new laws to combat child marriages is coming into force on January 1, 2025.
Swiss ‘burqa ban’ kicks in
A Swiss ban on facial coverings in public places, widely known as the “burqa’ ban”, will take effect on January 1. Violations can be punished with a fine of up to CHF1,000 (about $1,143). The “anti-burqa” initiative was approved by 51.2% of Swiss voters in March 2021. Exceptions to the law will include face coverings for reasons of security, weather or health. They would also be allowed on artistic and entertainment grounds and for advertising.
Measures to combat child marriages
From January 1, Swiss laws will be more effective in combating child marriages. Marriages abroad involving minors will no longer be recognised if at least one of the spouses was a Swiss resident at the time of the marriage. Child marriages can now be annulled at the request of authorities or the affected party up until the person’s 25th birthday. Previously, this was only possible until they turned 18. The change in the law aims to prevent so-called “vacation marriages”, child marriages that take place when families travel to another country where the legal age for marriage may be lower or laws regarding marriage are less strict. Additionally, marriages will not be recognised in Switzerland unless both spouses have reached their 16th birthday. According to Anu Sivaganesan, a lawyer and human rights activist, the number of minors in Switzerland being forced into marriage has increased over the past eight years.
A Swiss ban on facial coverings in public places comes into force on January 1, 2025.
www.swissinfo.ch
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