Swiss narrowly back proposal to ban face coverings in public

A poster supporting the ban on face coverings (Urs Flueeler/Keystone via AP)

Swiss voters have narrowly approved a proposal to ban face coverings, both niqabs and burkas worn by a few Muslim women in the country and the ski masks and bandannas used by protesters.

The measure will outlaw covering one’s face in public places such as restaurants, sports stadiums, public transport or simply walking in the street.