Denmark Proposes Extending Face-Covering Ban to Schools and Universities

Denmark Proposes Extending Face-Covering Ban to Schools and Universities
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Denmark’s government has announced plans to expand its existing ban on face coverings to include all educational institutions, a move that has sparked widespread debate at home and abroad. The proposal would extend a 2018 law prohibiting garments that conceal the face in public spaces to schools and universities.

Migration and Integration Minister Rasmus Stoklund said that face-covering garments, including the niqab, have no place in classrooms, arguing that visual interaction is essential for learning and social cohesion. He said the measure is intended to support the integration of girls and women from migrant backgrounds and to counter what he described as cultural pressures linked to tradition and honor.

Under the current law, violations are punishable by fines, and the government believes extending the ban to educational settings would reinforce equal participation in society. Supporters of the proposal, including the Liberal Party (Venstre), argue that covered faces hinder communication between students and teachers and undermine classroom interaction.

However, human rights organizations and religious groups have criticized the move, calling it discriminatory and an infringement on freedom of religion and personal choice. They warn that the policy risks marginalizing Muslim women rather than promoting integration. The draft legislation is expected to be presented to parliament in February 2026, where it is likely to trigger intense political debate. The proposal follows similar restrictive measures adopted recently in other European countries.