Norway proposes to ban face-covering garments in schools

OSLO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Norway said on Friday it sent a bill to parliament proposing to ban the use of face-covering garments in all kindergartens and educational institutions such as schools, colleges and training centers for newly arrived immigrants.

The bill on the national ban was presented at a press conference held by the country's education, research and finance ministers.

"A ban on face-covering garments will ensure open communication with children, pupils, students and newly arrived immigrants in educational situations. It is crucial for a good learning environment," said Minister of Education and Integration Jan Tore Sanner.

The Norwegian government had initially suggested that the ban should apply to the entire educational area and throughout the working hours. But now the bill proposed that the prohibition shall only apply while teaching takes place.

The prohibition will apply to both students and employees in educational institutions. For kindergartens, the prohibition will only apply to employees throughout their working hours, as face-covering garments are rarely used by young children.

The bill was expected to be passed in parliament as several opposition parties have said they support such a ban. If parliament adopts the proposal, the ban will be introduced from August.

"Pupils, students and teachers must be able to see the faces of each other," Minister of Research and Higher Education Iselin Nybo said. "We believe that we have found a good balance between the consideration of a good learning environment and the individual's freedom."

Currently such a ban can be implemented locally, as it has already been done by some schools and colleagues in Oslo and its neighboring areas. With a national ban, the government wanted to provide a clearer regulatory framework throughout the country.

"Norway can become the first country in the Nordic region to get a national ban on face-covering headgear like burka and niqab in educational environment," said Minister of Finance Siv Jensen. Enditem