(Brussels Times) The province of East Flanders has introduced a ban on wearing religious and political symbols in provincial education, aimed at ensuring philosophical neutrality, a decision approved by the provincial council on Wednesday amid some controversy.
Coalition partner Vooruit voted against the measure, so the support of the opposition Vlaams Belang was decisive.
The ban, effective from 1 September 2025, prohibits the wearing of items such as headscarves during educational activities.
Vooruit breaks with coalition partners
The vote put a strain on relations within the provincial administration, leading to strong political friction.
