Denmark to Ban Burqa and Face Veils in Schools and Universities

Copenhagen: Denmark is set to extend its existing public face-covering ban to educational institutions, prohibiting burqas, niqabs, and other face-concealing garments in schools and universities. The Scandinavian country had already banned full-face coverings in public spaces, and now the law is being prepared for application in classrooms.

Integration Minister Rasmus Stoklund emphasized, “There is no place for burqas, niqabs, or any clothing that hides the face in Danish classrooms.” The AFP news agency reported that Stoklund believes the restrictions already applied to public spaces should also be enforced in schools and universities to maintain security and social integration.

Legislative Steps Ahead

Denmark first imposed a full-face covering ban in August 2018, which included Islamic garments such as burqas and niqabs, with fines for violators. The government plans to introduce a bill extending this ban to educational institutions in February 2026.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also voiced strong support for the measure. She noted in June that limiting face coverings in schools and universities was necessary and acknowledged prior gaps in legislation that allowed certain religious controls and oppression of women. Frederiksen stated that while citizens are free to practice their faith, democratic values must take precedence.

Integration and Social Cohesion

Supporters of the ban argue that restricting face coverings will help Muslim women from immigrant backgrounds integrate more effectively into Denmark’s predominantly Christian society. The move aligns with broader European trends; for instance, Austria recently passed a law banning headscarves for girls under 14 in schools.

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