Deniz Baykai of the Turkish Republican People’s Party, rebuked Prime Minister Erdogan for claiming to be a defender of the principles of secularism. He blasted Erdogan’ policy of ending the ban on wearing a headscarf at universities, and warned, “the Islamic headscarf will spread to high schools and state institutions if it is let free in universities.” A main issue of opponents is fear that religious extremists will force younger children to wear the headscarf since it would be more difficult for a young girl to resist peer pressure.

The ruling Justice and Development Party and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party hve agreed to a constitutional change that would guaratee the right to wear whatever clothes a person desires while attending a university. Bakyai is hoping the courts will slap down the change.