Swedish Liberals want a total ban on denominational schools

For several years, the Liberals have been pushing for a ban on establishing denominational independent schools, often referred to as religious independent schools. Now the party wants to go one step further and see a total ban on the school form.

The goal of the Liberals is that all denominational independent schools will be closed during the next term. We see that this is part of tightening the entire independent school system, says party leader Johan Pehrson on the Swedish radio show Ekot. According to Pehrson, religion is something that parents can practice in other ways outside of school. "There are excellent Sunday schools."

Jewish

The Christian Swedish daily Dagen writes that the Social Democrats have also long been opposed to denominational independent schools and have a long-term goal of getting a ban. For the time being, they have put forward a proposal to ban new establishments, something that has met with harsh criticism from the consultative bodies.

Another problem with a ban is that it can violate international conventions, such as the European Convention, which gives parents the right to choose an education that is following philosophical or religious wishes.

Now that the Liberals are pushing for a ban, they say they believe it will be compatible with international conventions. They also want to keep schools run from the minority perspective, which would allow the Jewish school to continue. "This means that the national minorities have the right to run the schools within the framework of their minority protection", says Johan Pehrson.

Prohibition Party

Linda Modig, vice-president of the Center Party, says that she is amazed that the Liberals want to ban denominational independent schools. She says to the Christian Swedish daily Dagen that this is one of the "most illiberal proposals I have heard in a long time." According to her, it would be better if the Liberals changed their name to the Prohibition Party.

Modig is not surprised that the Liberals disapprove of denominational independent schools. "But to suggest that you should stop all religious independent schools next term, to want to stop the freedom of choice, it is so that you are amazed. I'm appalled; it's depressing. It is not liberal politics."