Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is set to implement new measures targeting religious practices in Danish educational institutions, aiming to eliminate social control and oppression of women. The initiatives include extending the ban on face coverings, such as the niqab, to schools and universities, and working to remove prayer rooms from these institutions.

Frederiksen emphasized that while individuals have the right to practice their religion, democracy takes precedence, stating that Denmark cannot accommodate “fanaticism.” She believes that face coverings and prayer rooms contribute to the oppression of women and create an environment of social control.

The push for these changes stems from recommendations made by the Commission for the Forgotten Women’s Struggle earlier this year. While the Prime Minister acknowledges that the extent of the issue is not fully known, she insists that any instance of oppression is unacceptable.

The face covering ban, initially introduced in 2018, currently applies only to public spaces. Frederiksen now believes it was a “mistake” to exclude educational institutions, and former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen agrees that the omission “doesn’t make any sense.”

Regarding prayer rooms, Frederiksen opposes a state ban. Instead, she intends for the ministers for schools and education to engage in discussions with universities to phase out these spaces. She argues that prayer rooms can be used as “oppressive mechanisms” against students.

Løkke supports the removal of prayer rooms through dialogue, emphasizing the need for a measured approach. He cautioned against a situation where students are forced to pray in inappropriate locations due to the absence of designated prayer rooms.