Headscarves should not be banned in schools, says the Federal Council

The Federal Council has rejected a proposal to ban Muslim children from wearing headscarves in Swiss schools. 

Federal Council against nationwide ban on hijab in schools

The Federal Council has shared that it is against a proposed ban on Muslim girls under the age of 16 wearing headscarves (hijabs) in schools across Switzerland. 

The proposal “No headscarves for children in schools and kindergartens. A question of equality, child protection, and not religion”, made by Marianne Binder (The Centre), was passed in the National Council in 2024 by 104 votes to 77, with 10 abstentions. 

The motion stated that when girls wear headscarves in schools, it contradicts Swiss constitutional rights of freedom and equality. Along with this, allowing the head covering in schools “inhibits girls’ development and freedom of movement”, for example participation in certain activities like swimming or sports.

Schools should remain neutral in religious matters

The Federal Council gave several reasons why it was against the proposal. From a legal standpoint, the council stated that matters concerning the display or wearing of religious symbols, such as headscarves, fall under cantonal jurisdiction. 

A similar debate about girls wearing the hijab in schools came into the spotlight in 2015 when, following some cantons banning headscarves in individual cases, the Supreme Court ruled that a nationwide ban was “incompatible with the constitution”, reports TagesAnzeiger.

The Federal Council’s report supported this ruling and continued to state that the government, and in this case public schools, should remain neutral in issues regarding religion. Furthermore, laws and provisions are already in place to ensure inclusion and equality in schools, particularly in activities such as sports and swimming lessons.