This month, the Danish parliament passed a law banning garments that cover the face in public such as the Islamic niqab and burqa. Lawmakers approved the law presented by the center-right governing coalition. The government said it is not aimed at any religion, as the law does not ban headscarves, turbans, or the traditional Jewish skullcap. And although the law bans any article of clothing covering the face, whether it be religious or not, it is widely considered and referred to as “the Burqa Ban.” Denmark now joins Austria, France, and Belgium who also have similar laws in the books.

When we get past the emotional outcries and unsubstantiated talking points, this debate reveals itself as far more complex than it seems at first glance.