Hundreds protest in Denmark as ban on face veils in public takes effect
Police will be able to order women to leave public areas under a new law seen as discriminating against Muslims
Hundreds of Danes rallied in Copenhagen on Wednesday to protest against a new ban on the wearing of face veils in public, accusing the government of infringing on women’s right to dress as they choose.
Denmark’s parliament enacted the ban in May, joining France and some other European Union countries to uphold what some politicians say are secular and democratic values.
The protesters, many wearing the niqab veil or the all-enveloping, body-length burka, began a march from the Danish capital’s central district of Norrebro to Bellahoj police station on the outskirts of the city.
Demonstrators, often with children in tow, included non-niqab-wearing Muslim women and non-Muslim Danes with faces covered. No incidents were reported.
“We need to send a signal to the government that we will not bow to discrimination and a law that specifically targets a religious minority,” Sabina, 21, a niqab-garbed student, told Reuters, asking that her full name not be used.