The Sweden Democrats want to introduce a total ban on veils in public places in Sweden. The proposal represents an extension of the party’s previous stance, which has mainly focused on the full-body garments niqab and burka.

The party’s spokesperson for gender equality and honor-related policy issues, Sara Gille, told Swedish Radio that the goal is a comprehensive ban on what she describes as Islamist garments.

“Our ambition is to implement a total ban on these Islamist garments in Sweden. If you cross the Swedish border, you must remove them if you want to live and reside here,” said the SD politician.

According to Sara Gille, the veil is in many cases linked to honor-related oppression and the subordination of women. She argues that many girls and women do not wear these garments of their own free will, but because of social or family pressure.

“There Are Other Countries”

When asked about these women, SD’s Member of Parliament replied that those who want to wear the veil can do so in countries where it is permitted.

“If you want to do that, there are other countries you can go to where it is actually allowed,” she told the public broadcaster.

The proposal means that even the hijab, which is worn by many Muslim women in Sweden, would be included in a future ban. This means the party goes further than its previous demands, which only called for a ban on full-face veils.

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