This chapter discusses the content of motions submitted to 54 city councils in Sweden. The motions aim at a ban or prohibition of one or more kinds of veils in schools and, in some instances, in other municipal functions that define the public space. Through critical discourse analysis, the author examines a number of shared ideas of culture, gender, and integration versus segregation, democracy, and secularity in the relevant motions. However, the motions also show dichotomies in the understanding of cultures, as well as reasons for wearing veils. The author highlights their simplistic approaches, which also apply to gender equality, religion, and secularity. Furthermore, possible consequences of the representations of the above-mentioned themes and topics are addressed.

We live in an open and democratic society. In order for this to function well, it is important to have a common respect for the openness and democracy. It requires that we can feel safe in our everyday life. It feels foreign for us that it is possible to live and act in this society if one at the same time wants to hide one's face. Openness and democracy are characterized by the right to have differing understandings, the right to demonstrate. The right to different opinions is crucial in a democracy.