Sweden Democrats propose ban on hijab and other Islamic veils

The Sweden Democrats, a right-wing populist political party in Sweden, have said they will campaign for a broad ban on Islamic face coverings and headscarves, expanding their previous position, which focused on niqabs and burqas.

The right-wing party said the proposed measure would cover not only full-face coverings but also the hijab and other forms of the veil, arguing that such garments can be used to exert control over women and girls, Caliber.Az reports, citing Swedish media.

“We know that many girls and women are forced to wear these garments and that, in many contexts, they are a symbol of control and women’s subordination,” Sara Gille, the party’s spokesperson on gender equality and honour-related issues, said.

The Sweden Democrats have long advocated prohibiting full-face coverings in public spaces, but the latest proposal marks a significant expansion of that policy position.