Denmark urges full use of rules limiting Muslim face veil, says no ban needed
By APThursday, January 28, 2010
Denmark urges full use of rules limiting face veil
COPENHAGEN — Denmark’s government says face-covering Muslim veils don’t belong in Danish society but no ban is needed because their use can be limited with existing rules.
The center-right government says the burqa — an all-covering dress — and the niqab face veil are “diametrically opposed” to the values on which Danish society is built.
It calls for the full use of existing rules that allow schools and both public and private employers to demand that students, teachers and workers show their faces.
Thursday’s statement follows months of discussion about whether Denmark should introduce a ban on burqas and niqabs — a discussion that is also taking place in France.
A government-commissioned report says only two or three women in Denmark wear burqas and up to 200 use niqabs.
