Burhan Kesici, head of Germany’s Islamic Council, criticized the call by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to ban headscarves for girls under the age of 14.
Kesici said religious freedom is constitutionally protected in Germany and that the AfD’s proposal represents an approach that excludes Muslims.
He pointed to upcoming state elections
Kesici argued that the debate over a headscarf ban could be linked to the upcoming state elections. He said targeting Muslims in political debates could deepen polarization in society.
AfD proposes Austrian model
The AfD’s parliamentary group called for Germany to adopt the practice in Austria. Under this model, children are prohibited from wearing headscarves in state-run educational institutions.