Zurich parliament approves headscarf ban in public schools

The Zurich Cantonal Council has approved a motion to ban religiously motivated head coverings in public schools and kindergartens. The proposal, initiated by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), passed with a narrow margin of 87 votes to 82, with six abstentions.

The motion aims to prohibit both female students and teachers from wearing religious headscarves in public educational institutions. Supporters of the measure, including members of the SVP and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), argue that the ban will protect children from religious fundamentalism and oppression, citing France’s 2004 policy as a model for improving integration.

Opponents, including the Social Democratic Party (SP), the Greens, and the Centre, have criticized the move as discriminatory and a violation of constitutional religious freedoms. Critics argue that a blanket ban may hinder the education and social participation of Muslim girls rather than protecting them. The cantonal government has been instructed to draft formal legislation and a report within the next two years.