Is a burqa ban against the Swiss constitution? How do you deal with a Muslim schoolboy who refuses to shake his female teacher’s hand? Do burkinis contravene swimming pool hygiene rules?
As such questions are becoming more prevalent in Switzerland, the federal government is considering setting up a new religious affairs office to help the cantons tackle the issues involved, reported Swiss media.
Under the jurisdiction of the federal justice ministry, the religious affairs office would be a point of contact and coordination between the Confederation, cantons, communes and religious communities in Switzerland, government spokesman Raphael Frei told Le Tribune de Genève.
While the cantons ultimately have the authority in such matters, their decisions can have implications at federal level, said Frei. [The Local] Read more
