Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), is campaigning to ban the hijab, niqab, and other Islamic headscarves for European Union staff and contractors. He plans to send a petition to European Parliament (EP) president Roberta Metsola by Friday, October 3rd.
Weimers says the ban would support impartiality in public service. He also claims it would empower women living under Islamic oppression and, additionally, argues it would make security screening easier.
The proposal has faced criticism from other MEPs. Martin Schirdewan of The Left called it “an Islamophobic distraction,” while Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D) said it attacks women workers and infringes on freedom of religion.
Weimers’ Sweden Democrats have previously campaigned against Islam in Sweden, including calls to ban new mosques. While some EU countries have banned face coverings in public buildings, banning the hijab remains controversial.
The initiative is currently individual, though Weimers expects wider support. The EP and ECR group declined to comment.
