The Kazakh government has implemented a ban on wearing the hijab headscarf for students and teachers in educational institutions, leading to intense debate within the country.
The government’s statement, dated October 16, justifies the hijab ban as an effort to preserve secularism and prevent the promotion of religious dogma. It emphasizes the need to ensure the equality of all religions before the law and the principles of secularism.
According to the ban, the hijab is prohibited as part of the school uniform. The ban applies to both students and teachers in educational institutions but does not extend beyond the school environment.
Kazakhstan is officially recognized as a secular state, with nearly 70% of its population practicing Islam. The ban has generated both support and opposition. Supporters argue that Kazakhstan’s secular status should not favor any particular religion, while opponents contend that the ban infringes on the principles of freedom of conscience.
The ban has had consequences, with reports that some girls have dropped out of school in protest. In one instance, two men allegedly assaulted a local school director for refusing to allow girls wearing hijabs to attend classes.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that schools are educational institutions focused on knowledge acquisition, while religious beliefs are personal matters. He stressed the importance of freedom of religion, adding that children should be free to develop their own worldview as they grow up.
The ban applies to all educational institutions in Kazakhstan without exception, reflecting the government’s commitment to secularism.
