Aargau lawmakers back headscarf ban for girls under 16

Aargau’s cantonal parliament has approved a motion requiring the government to draft a law banning girls under 16 from wearing headscarves at public schools, SRF reported. The motion passed by 78 votes to 54.

The motion was submitted by members of the FDP, EDU, Centre and Swiss People’s Party. The government opposed it, citing legal obstacles, constitutional concerns and Federal Supreme Court case law.

Education Director Martina Bircher of the Swiss People’s Party said the government recognised that a headscarf could be an expression of oppression. However, the government said the Federal Supreme Court had made clear in a landmark 2015 ruling that public interests such as state neutrality, the school’s role in integration and equality between women and men were not sufficient grounds for such a ban.

Supporters argued that the measure would protect girls. FDP motion sponsor Adrian Schoop said Switzerland had fought for women’s equality for decades but was now prepared to import cultures that restricted it. The Centre said the state should not simply look away, while the Swiss People’s Party said headscarves had no place in schools.

Opponents called the proposal symbolic politics. The Green Liberals said it targeted Islam and noted that religious garments such as kippahs would not be banned. The Social Democratic Party said the proposed clothing ban would be unconstitutional and discriminatory. The Greens called instead for greater child protection and prevention.