Swiss Town Cuts Benefits for Veiled Muslim Women

Muslim women in Switzerland who refuse to work without wearing the veil will have to pay for their religious adherence.

The head of Social Services in Fribourg defended the decision to reduce welfare benefits by 15 percent over three months for veiled women who failed to find or keep jobs due to their veils.

Marie Therese Maradan told Sunday papers it was inconceivable the women who don't find work because of their veils should live off the state for years.

An appeal has been launched against the decision, which the Swiss Central Islamic council has described as discriminatory.