Zurich Cantonal Council approves headscarf ban in public schools

The Zurich Cantonal Council has narrowly approved a proposal to ban headscarves in public schools and kindergartens. The motion, introduced by the SVP, aims to prohibit the religious symbol for both students and teachers in public educational settings.

Supporters of the ban, including the SVP and FDP, argue that the measure promotes gender equality and maintains the school as a neutral public space. The SVP characterized the headscarf as a symbol of a religion that is incompatible with the school's mission of free development. The ban would not apply to private schools.

The Cantonal Government has been tasked with determining how to implement this regulation. Opponents, including the SP and the Greens, criticized the move, suggesting it could impact Muslim women.