Switzerland’s referendum on burqas is an insult to women’s rights and dignity
On March 7, Switzerland will hold a referendum to decide whether to ban full facial coverings such as burqas and niqabs. Polls show that more than 60 percent of Swiss voters favor the burqa ban. Although the Swiss cantons of St. Gallen and Ticino already have a ban on full face coverings following regional votes, the Swiss government has recommended voters reject the federal proposal, saying a nationwide constitutional ban would “undermine the sovereignty of the cantons, damage tourism and be unhelpful for certain groups of women”.
Those “certain groups of women” are Muslim women.
It is ironic that the vote will take place on the eve of International Women’s Day on March 8, which strives for a gender-equal world.… Seguir leyendo »