Muslim groups in Finland reject talk of niqab ban

A coalition of 40 Finnish Muslim organisations has issued a joint statement rejecting proposals to ban face-covering religious garments in schools and public spaces. The statement, dated 24 September and signed by groups including Finland’s Muslim Forum and Federation of Islamic Organizations in Finland, described the proposals as political theatre that risks undermining religious freedom […]

A coalition of 40 Finnish Muslim organisations has issued a joint statement rejecting proposals to ban face-covering religious garments in schools and public spaces.

The statement, dated 24 September and signed by groups including Finland’s Muslim Forum and Federation of Islamic Organizations in Finland, described the proposals as political theatre that risks undermining religious freedom and equality.

The organisations said the debate surrounding the niqab is driven by populist motives rather than real social concerns.

“This is a classic example of populism, targeting a marginal issue that barely exists in Finnish society,” the signatories wrote.

They criticised politicians for focusing on “symbolic restrictions” while schools face what they described as serious and ongoing problems, including shortages of staff and resources, bullying, and rising mental health issues among pupils.

According to the statement, the use of the niqab in Finland is rare and the burqa is virtually non-existent. Most Muslim women who wear religious clothing use the hijab, which covers the hair but leaves the face visible. The groups said that conflating these different garments, burqa, niqab, and hijab, reveals a lack of understanding and misleads public discussion.

(Helsinki Times)

The statement dismissed the idea that banning the niqab would solve any genuine problem. It also raised concerns that such legislation would only target Muslims and deepen the marginalisation of Muslim women.

“Any ban would shrink the space Muslims have in Finnish society and undermine the sense of safety and belonging,” it read.

The statement also addressed the legal framework already in place to protect individuals from coercion. It said that the current laws are sufficient to address rare cases where someone might be forced to wear religious clothing against their will.

“Muslim girls grow up in multicultural environments and make choices amid various pressures. Their ability to act independently should be respected like that of any other young person.

“True equality means respecting all women’s choices, not just those that align with dominant cultural norms,” the statement said. (Helsinki Times)