Denmark Plans Veil Ban Expansion to Schools, Universities

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans to extend the country's 2018 ban on full-face Islamic veils, such as burqas and niqabs, to include schools and universities, emphasizing that democracy must take precedence over religious practices in educational settings. In addition, she expressed a strong desire to remove prayer rooms from universities, arguing that they can serve as mechanisms for social control and oppression, especially against women, although she stopped short of calling for a formal ban. Frederiksen highlighted that her stance is grounded in protecting democratic values and preventing female oppression, despite not knowing how widespread the issue is. The government's move follows recommendations from Denmark’s Commission for the Forgotten Women’s Struggle and seeks to close existing legislative gaps that allow religious social control within educational institutions. However, the proposed expansion has drawn criticism from human rights groups and religious organizations, which see the ban as discriminatory and an infringement on freedom of religion and women's rights. Supporters argue the measures will aid Muslim immigrant integration and uphold democratic principles, but opponents warn of limits on personal freedoms and expression of identity.