Hijab restrictions debated in two more European countries

Debates over religious symbols, head coverings and language use in educational institutions have intensified again across Europe. Measures aimed at accelerating integration and upholding secularism in schools are prompting different legal and political reactions.

TodayPress TV reports, citing BakuPost, that the Italian government has introduced a new decree banning the use of full-face veils, including the burqa and niqab, in schools.

Under the decision, adopted as part of security and integration measures, the proportion of foreign students who do not speak Italian in classrooms will also be capped at 30%. Where necessary, mandatory language courses will be organised for parents.

Meanwhile, a similar issue has entered the political agenda in Germany. The Women’s Union of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has proposed banning girls under the age of 14 from wearing headscarves in schools and kindergartens.

Although Germany has not yet adopted an official ban, the legal implications of the proposal are being widely debated against the backdrop of similar restrictions imposed on children under 14 in neighbouring Austria.

Giymat Mahir