Indian Politicians Weigh in on Switzerland's Burqa Ban Without a Religious Perspective

New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) Indian politicians reacted on Thursday to the ban on burqas in Switzerland, which took effect on January 1, highlighting that this decision is a reflection of the country's autonomy and should not be seen purely through a religious lens.

The ban prohibits facial coverings in public areas and has ignited international discussions.

Under the new Swiss legislation, individuals who unlawfully conceal their faces in public can face fines of up to 1,000 Swiss francs (approximately $1,144). This rule applies to coverings that obstruct the nose, mouth, and eyes, with specific exceptions for private or sacred locations, as well as on aircraft or diplomatic sites.

BJP national spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated that Switzerland likely has valid justifications for implementing this prohibition.

"Every nation has its own regulations and laws. They establish rules based on their security measures. I believe it is unnecessary to interpret this issue through a religious viewpoint," Naqvi conveyed to IANS.

In a similar vein, NCP-SP leader Majeed Memon noted that while the law may face opposition from Muslim-majority countries, it would probably not impact India.

"Switzerland is relatively small, and its population cannot be compared to that of India. The Muslim demographic there is quite limited. Their government must have considered their own circumstances when taking such actions," Memon commented.

He further drew a comparison, stating, "The number of Muslims in India exceeds the total population of Switzerland, with over 200 million Muslims residing here. Regardless of what occurs, it will not influence India. It is their issue, and I do not see any necessity for outside intervention."

"Numerous Muslim-majority nations may criticize this concept. However, in India, where individuals of various faiths coexist peacefully, I do not foresee any effects," he added.

The ban, which does not specifically target Islam, was put forth by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) under the campaign "Stop Extremism." It also sought to restrict violent demonstrators from wearing masks.

In 2021, Swiss citizens endorsed the ban, with 51.2 percent voting in favor and 48.8 percent against it in a referendum. However, the Swiss government opposed the initiative, arguing that it is not the state's role to dictate individual dress codes.

Switzerland functions under a direct democracy model, where citizens frequently vote on national and regional matters. The burqa ban referendum was part of this framework, allowing the populace a direct voice in governance.

The law does allow exceptions for facial coverings in places of worship, during public health crises, or for safety purposes at work.