Denmark’s Plans to Extend Veil Ban Raise Concerns Over Religious Freedom and State Islamophobia

Denmark’s Plans to Extend Veil Ban Raise Concerns Over Religious Freedom and State Islamophobia
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Denmark’s government is moving to extend its existing ban on full-face Islamic veils to cover schools and universities, a proposal that has reignited debate over religious freedom and integration.

According to The Express Tribune, citing AFP, the legislation, originally passed in 2018, already prohibits wearing burqas and niqabs in public spaces.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her administration argue that face coverings such as burqas and niqabs have “no place” in Danish classrooms, framing the extension as a measure to uphold secular education norms and social cohesion. The bill is expected to be presented in the Danish parliament in February 2026.

Supporters argue it enables Muslims of immigrant backgrounds to better integrate into Danish society.

However, the expansion has drawn criticism from international human rights observers. A member of the UN Human Rights Committee recently warned that Denmark’s policies, including the proposed veil ban, requests for reporting potential mosque calls to prayer, and closures of prayer rooms, risk institutionalized discrimination and state-sponsored Islamophobia. The expert emphasized that freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental right guaranteed under Denmark’s constitution and international human rights treaties.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have described burqa bans as disproportionate and punitive, while critics argue these measures restrict the basic freedoms of Muslim women. Supporters contend the policy encourages integration and visibility in public life. Denmark’s move reflects broader European debates, as several countries have introduced or expanded laws restricting full-face veils in public and educational settings.