Finland's Minister of Social Security, Sanni Grahn-Laasonen (NCP), has spoken out on social media against the wearing of burkas and niqabs in schools. Posting on X, she said face coverings do not belong in schools.
"Burkas and niqabs — scarves and veils covering the face — are not suitable for school. Children should be allowed to be children and live freely in Finnish society," the minister wrote.
She described the issue as one of equality, children's rights and safety, and also addressed the broader use of headscarves, calling it "a difficult question of religious freedom."
Burkas and niqabs are worn in some Islamic communities for religious and cultural reasons.
"We have to have the courage to talk about how we protect women from oppressive religious cultures and work to ensure that no one in Finland has to cover their face," Grahn-Laasonen stated.
Last month, Finance Minister Riikka Purra (Finns) called for a total ban on burkas, niqabs and headscarves, especially in schools.
This followed a proposal, put forward by 15 Finns Party members last year, calling for a complete ban on face coverings in public places.
The move would effectively mean a ban on the wearing in public of the burka — a traditional garment worn by some Muslim women that covers the face and body — as well as the niqab, a veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear.
Reacting to Purra's comments, Education Minister Anders Adlercreutz (SPP) told Helsingin Sanomat that while face-coverings can be taken up in schools from a safety and identification perspective, he does not support legislative measures on the matter.
