FALCON POWERS – Swedish Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg stated, “Putting a hijab on very young children is a reason to file a concern report (orosanmälan) to social services (sosial).” These remarks were made by the minister in an interview on Saturday with Swedish Radio.
The minister added that she finds it incomprehensible and unusual for young children to wear hijabs, especially when it comes to very young kids. She also believes it is unacceptable for parents of children in schools or kindergartens to prevent girls from playing with boys during recess. She emphasized, “We see this as a reason to file a concern report to social services (socialtjänsten), so they can intervene and protect the child.”
Combating honor-related oppression is one of the top priorities for Minister Brandberg. She wants to prevent anyone from being forced to wear religious clothing, such as the hijab. The minister mentioned in the interview that there should be an investigation into the legislation of this law, as coercion can be subtle and difficult to prove, stressing that “the hijab is a symbol of oppression against females and efforts must be made to end it.”
