Finland’s Minister for Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, voiced her opposition to burqas and niqabs in schools on social media. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
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Finland’s Minister for Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen has said burkas and niqabs should not be worn in schools, arguing that children should be able to “live freely in Finnish society”.
In a post on X, Grahn-Laasonen described full-face coverings as incompatible with school life, citing equality, children’s rights and safety. She also called the broader use of headscarves “a difficult question of religious freedom”.
“We have to have the courage to talk about how we protect women from oppressive religious cultures and work to ensure that no one in Finland has to cover their face,” she wrote.
Burkas and niqabs are worn in some Islamic communities for religious and cultural reasons. The burka covers the entire body and face, while the niqab covers the face except for the eyes.
The minister’s comments follow a call last month by Finance Minister Riikka Purra for a total ban on burkas, niqabs and headscarves, particularly in schools. In 2024, 15 Finns Party MPs proposed banning all face coverings in public spaces.
Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz told Helsingin Sanomat that while schools can address face coverings from safety and identification perspectives, he does not back legislation to impose restrictions.
The debate over Islamic dress in Finland’s educational institutions mirrors broader discussions in Europe, where several countries have implemented bans or limits on full-face coverings in public spaces.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
