Thousands march against Denmark veil ban

Protesters say Muslim women in Denmark are the intended target

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Denmark’s ban on face veils in public took effect on Wednesday, setting off protests and reigniting a debate over a law that rights groups say discriminates against Muslim women.

The law, passed in May, does not specifically mention Muslim dress — it states that “anyone who wears a garment that hides the face in public will be punished with a fine” — but protesters say Muslim women are the intended target.

On Wednesday evening, women wearing the traditional Muslim face veil, known as a niqab, and full coverage burkas were joined by dozens of supporters wearing makeshift coverings and handkerchiefs tied across their faces at a protest in central Copenhagen. A simultaneous demonstration was held in the city of Aarhus.

At the centre of a protest for the woman’s right to cover up were women who didn’t. Bare legs, exposed shoulders and long blond hair mixed with head scarves and black veils.

The police did not fine the protesters or intervene. Under the new law, protesters who cover their faces while peacefully exercising their right of expression are exempt from the ban.

The protest began near Mjolnerparken, a housing complex heavily populated by immigrants, which the government has described as a “ghetto” and “parallel society” because of crime and lack of integration. The protest finished with a human chain near one of Copenhagen’s main police stations.

Some carried posters with the messages, “Fingers away from my niqab” and “My clothes, my choice.”

One protester, Sabina, 21, called the law oppressive and Islamophobic.

“To wear the niqab is a spiritual choice and now a sign of protest,” she said. “The only result of this law is that we’re going to stick more firmly to our faith and niqab and encourage more women to wear it.”

She said she planned to continue to protest, waiting to see when police issue the first fine. First-time offenders face fines of 1,000 Danish crowns, around Dh550.

Fake beards, balaclavas and other face masks are also banned.

Reuters Women participate in a demonstration on the first day of the implementation of the Danish face veil ban in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Wednesday. Protesters called the new law oppressive and Islamophobic.