Finland Officials Move to Ban Burqa and Niqab in Schools, Muslims react

• Finnish Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen has faced backlash for saying burqas and niqabs are unsuitable in schools
• The Muslim Forum of Finland called the debate exaggerated, warning it could lead to broader headscarf restrictions
• Other ministers have weighed in, with the Interior Ministry set to explore a possible ban before 2027

Finland’s Minister of Social Security, Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, is facing public criticism after stating that face-covering garments such as burqas and niqabs are unsuitable in Finnish schools.

The minister made the comment in a recent social media post, saying the matter relates to equality, children’s rights, and the ability of pupils to interact freely in society.

Her remarks have drawn a sharp response from the Muslim Forum of Finland.

Its Secretary General, Pia Jardi, described the debate as exaggerated and unnecessary in the Finnish context.

She noted that she has never seen schoolchildren wearing niqabs in the country and argued that raising the issue could pave the way for wider restrictions on Muslim headscarves. Jardi compared the current conversation to France, where visible religious symbols are banned in schools.

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According to Jardi, such measures risk undermining religious freedom, which includes the right to dress in line with personal beliefs. She stressed that no one should be forced to wear a headscarf, but limiting the choice is equally problematic and inconsistent with Finland’s values of equality.

Purra calls for total ban

The issue of headscarves in schools has recently gained traction in Finnish politics. Finance Minister and Finns Party leader Riikka Purra stated last month that burqas, niqabs, and headscarves for young girls should be banned altogether, beginning with schools.

Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz suggested that face coverings could be reviewed from a safety and identification standpoint but opposed introducing legislation on the matter.

Children’s rights specialist Laura Francke from the Finnish National Agency for Education pointed out that full-face coverings are extremely rare in Finnish schools.

She explained that current regulations allow schools to set dress requirements only for safety or hygiene purposes, such as appropriate swimwear for swimming lessons or protective clothing in technical workshops. Any broader restrictions would require legislative change.

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Interior minister says legislation needed

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said her ministry will begin exploring the possibility of a ban on burqas and niqabs, arguing that such garments are incompatible with the principles of a Western, egalitarian society.

She expressed the hope that any legislation could be enacted before the current government’s term ends in 2027.

The Muslim Forum of Finland describes itself as a network for cooperation and dialogue among the country’s Muslim communities. It maintains that the focus should remain on fostering understanding rather than introducing prohibitions that could marginalise a section of the population.

Supreme Court gives final verdict on use of Hijab

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Muslim students in public schools particularly in Lagos state can now wear Hijab without any fear of molestation.

This is as the Supreme Court on Friday, June 17, ruled in favour of the wearing of hijabs by Secondary School Students.

In a split decision of five to two, the apex court overruled Lagos state on its restriction of the use of Hijab by female Muslim students.

Source: Legit.ng