Zurich’s cantonal parliament has backed a proposal to ban headscarves in public schools and kindergartens, instructing the cantonal government to draft legislation, reported SRF.

The motion, proposed by the Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), passed on Monday by 87 votes to 82, with six abstentions. It would prohibit female pupils and teachers from wearing religious head coverings in public educational institutions.

The UDC/SVP cited France, where conspicuous religious symbols, including Islamic headscarves, have been banned in state schools since 2004. The motion claimed that the French policy had improved the integration and academic performance of Muslim girls.

The proposal was supported by the UDC/SVP and the Free Democratic Party (PLR/FDP), as well as by some members of the Green Liberal Party (GLP) and the Evangelical People’s Party (EVP). Left-wing parties and the Centre opposed it.

Before the debate, Zurich’s cantonal government said it was prepared to accept the motion and to draw up a proposal that complied with the constitution. It now has two years to submit legislation and a report to parliament.

The debate was at times heated. The UDC/SVP described the headscarf as a symbol of oppression and argued that schools should allow children to develop freely, without religious rules that distinguish between girls and boys.

Opponents argued that the measure was discriminatory and legally questionable. The Greens called for a more nuanced approach. The Socialists accused the UDC/SVP of stirring hostility towards Muslims and argued that a ban on headscarves for children would conflict with the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. The Centre also opposed the proposal, arguing that it was wrong to single out one religious symbol.

More on this:
SRF article (in German)

For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook and Twitter.