The Christian Democrats in Stockholm have proposed a ban on the hijab for children in kindergartens and primary schools, i.e., for children aged one to nine.
Modern.az reports that the party advocates for a nationwide ban on chadors and niqabs for those working in the public sector.
“We are putting forward this proposal because we have observed a negative trend in Stockholm's kindergartens. Swedish values must be protected, and young children should remain children,” stated party leader Nike Erbrink.
According to her, the proposal stems from concerns about increasing parental pressure and the influence of so-called “honor norms” in the educational environment. The party also proposes conducting a study in the city's kindergartens to determine whether employees are subjected to similar pressure and how often children wear the hijab. The Christian Democrats believe that clear legislation will help kindergarten staff navigate issues related to religious and cultural norms more effectively.
This initiative has sparked controversy. Representatives of the Liberal Party warn that the ban could lead parents to withdraw their daughters from municipal schools and transfer them to private religious schools.
A few years ago, the municipalities of Skurup and Staffanstorp in the Skåne region already attempted to ban the hijab in kindergartens and schools. However, administrative courts ruled that such a measure lacked legal basis and violated freedom of religion. The Supreme Administrative Court upheld this position and refused to reconsider the case. (AzərTac)
