(Helsinki Times) A coalition of 40 Finnish Muslim organisations has issued a joint statement rejecting proposals to ban face-covering religious garments in schools and public spaces.
The statement, dated 24 September and signed by groups including Finland’s Muslim Forum and Federation of Islamic Organizations in Finland, described the proposals as political theatre that risks undermining religious freedom and equality.
The organisations said the debate surrounding the niqab is driven by populist motives rather than real social concerns.
“This is a classic example of populism, targeting a marginal issue that barely exists in Finnish society,” the signatories wrote.
