Women who wear full face veils in public in a Swiss state could be fined up to £6,500 under new rules imposed by the local government.

Females muslims will be banned from wearing the burqa in shops, restaurants or public buildings in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino.

The local government in the southern Swiss state approved the ban after a referendum in September 2013 saw two in three voters backing the move.

According to the Local, the Ticino government had wanted to ban burqas and niqabs as well as masks worn by demonstrators and balaclavas.

However, MPs voted for a law that only applies to veils worn by some Muslim women and makes no exceptions for tourists visiting the area.

The minimum fine is 100 francs (£65) and women can be given a penalty of up to 10,000 francs (£6,500).

The Swiss Parliament says the ban does not violate federal law but it is not yet known when the new rules will come into force.

Visitors coming into Ticino will be informed at airports and by customs officers at the Italian border it is illegal for people to hide their face under a burqa or niqab, while in the state.

The ban on the burqa echoes similar legislation put in place in France, where women can be fined an initial penalty of £35 for wearing the garment, which can be increased to £150.

Source