• Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen aims to extend the ban on full-face veils in educational settings.
• The proposal includes dialogues to remove prayer rooms in universities.
• Critics argue the ban infringes upon religious freedoms and women's rights.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans to extend the ban on full-face Islamic veils, such as the burqa and niqab, to schools and universities, claiming that “democracy takes precedence” over religious expression in educational environments. She emphasized the need to address gaps in existing legislation that allow "social control and oppression" in these institutions, according to SCMP, Dawn, and India Times.

In her remarks, Frederiksen stated her government aims to initiate discussions with universities to remove prayer rooms, which she alleges could serve as a mechanism of oppression against both girls and boys. This discourse is rooted in her belief that religious practices should not overshadow democratic values, echoing sentiments previously voiced in her government’s approach to religious symbols in public life, according to SCMP, Dawn, and India Times.

The proposal has faced backlash from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which argues that such measures are discriminatory and infringe upon individuals' rights to religious expression and freedom of choice. These organizations have characterized the existing ban as a violation of freedom of religion, indicating that “all women should be free to dress as they please,” highlighting concerns about women’s choices being undermined, according to SCMP, Dawn, and India Times.