Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen said on Thursday that his government planned to extend the prohibition of complete Islamic veils in public places and apply it to schools and universities as well.
He also said that he wanted to see the end of prayer rooms in universities, but did not ask for an absolute prohibition.
“God has to put aside. You have the right to your faith and to practice your religion, but democracy has priority,” Danish news agency told the news agency Ritzau.
In August 2018, Denmark prohibited the use of Islamic veils with a complete face such as Burka and Niqab in public places, with criminals subject to a fine.
Human rights activists and religious groups have criticized prohibition as discriminatory and as a violation of freedom of religion and freedom of choice of women.
Supporters argue that it allows Muslims in the background of immigrants to integrate better into Danish society.
Frederiksen claimed that prayer rooms in universities could be used for “social control and oppression.”
She said her government would begin to talk with universities to eliminate them. “It’s not a discussion about whether or not we want them,” Frederiksen said.
“We are actively taking a position that we do not want because they are used as a mechanism of oppression against girls and potentially boys.”
Frederiksen said he didn’t know how extended the phenomenon.
“For me, it is not just the scale that matters. I am the Prime Minister of Denmark. I am also a woman. And I cannot tolerate women’s oppression.”