Sweden Democrats Propose Expanding Hijab Ban to Public Institutions Ahead of 2026 Election

Sweden Democrats Propose Expanding Hijab Ban to Public Institutions Ahead of 2026 Election
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Sweden’s right-wing Sweden Democrats (SD) party has proposed introducing a ban on wearing the hijab in publicly funded institutions, including schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, government offices, and other public-sector workplaces, as part of its political agenda ahead of the 2026 Swedish elections.

The party argues that the hijab should not be viewed solely as a personal clothing choice, but rather as a religious symbol that it claims conflicts with its interpretation of gender equality and democratic values in Swedish society.

Jessica Stegrud, the party’s spokesperson on social policy issues, expressed support for the proposal on the social media platform X, saying that women and girls in Sweden should have full freedom in public spaces without what she described as pressure from cultural or religious practices that may affect their personal choices.

The Sweden Democrats argue that the presence of religious symbols such as the hijab in publicly funded institutions should be subject to restrictions, claiming that such measures would protect women’s independence. Critics, however, have raised concerns that a broad ban could interfere with individual religious freedom and potentially affect Muslim women’s access to education, employment, and public services.

The proposal has renewed debate in Sweden over the balance between gender equality policies, integration measures, freedom of religion, and protection against discrimination.