Denmark plans to extend veil ban to schools and universities

(Web Desk): Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced that her government wants to extend the existing ban on full-face Islamic veils (burqa, niqab) to schools and universities.

In a statement to the Danish news agency Ritzau, the Prime Minister said, "Democracy should take precedence over religion. You have the right to practice your faith, but religion should have less influence in public institutions."

It is worth noting that Denmark imposed a ban on face veils in public places in 2018. Now, Prime Minister Frederiksen wishes for this law to also apply to schools and universities.

She further stated that she also wants to eliminate designated prayer rooms in universities, as she believes they can "be a source of social pressure and coercion, especially for girls."

However, the Prime Minister acknowledged that she does not know the extent to which this trend has spread, but as a Prime Minister and a woman, she will not tolerate the oppression of women.

These measures have been strongly criticized by human rights organizations and religious groups, who consider them an attack on religious freedom and women's rights. Meanwhile, supporters argue that the law will help Muslim immigrants integrate into society.