Those who break the law could face fines of 10,000 francs (Picture: Getty Images)

A Swiss state has voted to punish those who wear a burqa in public 10,000 francs (£6.5k) following a referendum.

Around two in three voters in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino voted in favour of the ban on the burqa, which covers the body from head to foot and is worn in public by many Muslim women, in September 2013.

Now the law is soon to come into force, and those who break it will face a fine ranging from 100 francs to 10,000.

MORE: Tiny dog survived having his neck broken and being set on fire by drugged-up teenagers


Two in three voters in Ticino voted in favour of the ban (Picture: Getty Images)

The law will also apply to tourists, 40,000 of whom came from the Middle East last year, and those visiting Ticino will be informed at the border that it is unlawful in the canton to hide your face.



Security measures were put in place during the parliamentary session on the ban and a metal detective device was temporarily installed to screen those entering the building.

The Ticino law was inspired by a similar French ban, which was upheld by the European Court of Human Rights in 2014.

MORE: Putin threatens Turkey with revenge over downed Russian fighter plane