SWI GVT announced in Federal council meeting of Nov. 6, it will be prohibited to cover one's face in all publicly accessible places throughout Switzerland from Jan. 1, 2025.
Anyone who contravenes ban will generally be punished with fine of up to 1000 francs.
Background
People, cantons accepted initiative Yes to the ban on covering one's face in Mar. 2021.
Constitutional article was embodied in Federal Act on the ban on covering one's face.
Exceptions to the Ban
Ban does not apply on board aircraft or in diplomatic or consular premises; does not apply in places of worship; and people still able to cover faces for health, to ensure safety, protection from weather, to maintain local customs, for artistic or advertising.
Law also provides for an exception to allow exercise of fundamental rights to freedom of opinion and freedom of assembly, with those who intend to conceal their faces to protect themselves while exercising these constitutional rights will be able to do so.
Proviso is competent authority has consented, public security, order not compromised.
Application of Procedure for Fixed Penalty
To take into account various opinions expressed during consultation and to limit administrative costs for persons concerned and for the authorities, violations of the ban will in most cases be punished by a fixed fine of 100 francs, payable immediately.
In the event of refusal to pay the fixed fine, the ordinary procedure applies.
Regulators
SWI GVT
Entity Types
CNSM; Corp
Reference
PR, 11/6/2024
Functions
Advertising; Compliance; Human Rights; Legal; Operations; Privacy
