German state bans burqa in schools and government buildings as part of 'Christian values'

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Germany’s largest state is to ban full-face Islamic veils in schools, polling stations, universities and government offices as intense debate continues over a nationwide law. Joachim Herrman, Bavaria’s interior minister, said the burqa and niqab were not compatible with Germany’s “communication culture” after a draft law was adopted by the state cabinet. Some critics accused the governing party of appeasing populists during a period of growing racial, religious and xenophobic hate crimes in Germany, while others said Bavaria’s “token” ban would have little effect as a tiny proportion of women wear the veils. Thomas de Maiziere, the German interior minister, previously came out in favour of a partial burqa ban and called the veils “contrary to integration” - a position that is supported by other members of the CDU, Germany’s largest political party.