Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen: Veil ban to be examined. Photo: Roni Rekomaa / Lehtikuva
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The Finnish government is assessing whether it can move forward with legislation restricting face coverings in public places during its current term, according to Interior Minister Mari Rantanen.
In a statement released by the Ministry of the Interior, Rantanen said a legal ban, often referred to as a veil ban or face-covering restriction, may be feasible under Finnish law, provided it is drafted precisely and includes clearly defined exceptions.
“The next step is to evaluate within the government whether this can be advanced during the current parliamentary term,” Rantanen said.
The announcement follows the preparation of a background memorandum within the Ministry, which examines the legal frameworks used in other European countries. France, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands have already introduced partial or full bans on face coverings in public spaces. The European Court of Human Rights has upheld such bans if they serve a legitimate aim, such as public safety or social cohesion, and are proportionate in scope.
In Finland, the proposed restriction could apply in schools and public institutions. Public discussion has recently focused on whether minors should be prohibited from wearing clothing that covers the face.
The Ministry’s memorandum outlines several potential justifications for the legislation. These include improving public safety and crime prevention, reinforcing societal norms of open interaction, preserving Finnish cultural practices, and promoting gender equality and children’s rights.
While Rantanen’s Finns Party (PS) has strongly backed the idea, support among coalition partners varies. The Christian Democrats have expressed conditional support for some form of regulation. However, the Swedish People’s Party (RKP), represented in government by Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz, has voiced opposition.
Adlercreutz has said that a legal ban in schools is unnecessary, noting that the number of students wearing face-covering veils is extremely low. He also warned against disproportionate legislation that may not respond to an actual need.
The Ministry’s background paper stresses that any proposed restriction must comply with Finland’s constitutional rights framework and international human rights obligations. It also emphasises the importance of proportionality and clarity in drafting the law.
The issue has been raised before but gained renewed political momentum in recent months. Rantanen mentioned in late August that the Ministry’s report on the topic would be completed within days. The final version was released on 23 September.
Previous efforts to examine the issue stalled during earlier administrations. The current coalition agreement, formed by the National Coalition Party (NCP), Finns Party, Christian Democrats and RKP, does not explicitly include a face-covering ban as a legislative priority. However, individual ministers have continued to pursue the question within their own portfolios.
In countries where such bans exist, enforcement varies. In France, face coverings in public have been prohibited since 2010, with penalties for violations. Belgium and Denmark have implemented similar measures, while the Netherlands restricts face coverings in schools, hospitals and public transport.
In Finland, critics of the proposed law have argued that it targets religious minorities and could conflict with protections on freedom of religion. Supporters have framed the ban as a public safety measure or a defence of gender equality.
The Ministry has not proposed a specific timetable or legislative draft. Rantanen said further legal and constitutional analysis is required before any decision is made.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
