by James Rothwell, Telegraph
Measure aimed at countering ‘parallel societies’ of non-integrated foreigners
Denmark has announced plans to ban burkas in schools and universities as part of its battle against so-called “parallel societies”.
The religious garment is already banned in public spaces, but the move would extend the order to classrooms across the country.
Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister who formed a new Left-leaning government in June, hopes the measure will counter “parallel societies” of non-integrated foreigners.
In Denmark, “parallel societies” refer to urban residential areas where more than 50 per cent of residents are from a non-Western immigrant background.
A ban on full-face coverings, such as the burka and the niqab, was introduced in Denmark in 2018, with those who repeatedly break the rules facing a 10,000 kroner (£1,300) fine.
Ms Frederiksen’s coalition now hopes to extend the ban to classrooms, though critics say there is little evidence that wearing the burka is widespread in schools and universities.
The decision to toughen up the burka ban was revealed by the centre-Right newspaper Berlingske, which cited a statement from the Danish immigration ministry.