Swiss government rejects nationwide ban on schoolgirls’ headscarves

The Swiss Federal Council has ruled out a nationwide ban on schoolgirls wearing headscarves in public schools, citing existing laws that already guarantee participation in lessons, sports, and swimming.

The decision follows a 2024 parliamentary mandate requesting an examination of such a ban, Caliber.Az reports, citing Swiss media.

In a press release on Wednesday, the government said regulation of religious dress in schools falls under cantonal authority.

In some cases, cantons had imposed restrictions on headscarves, prompting the Federal Supreme Court to clarify the legal framework.

In a landmark 2015 ruling, the court determined that a blanket ban would conflict with Switzerland’s constitution.

The government added that public schools should maintain neutrality regarding religious symbols, reinforcing its opposition to a general prohibition on children’s headscarves.

By Aghakazim Guliyev