Turkey's parliament has passed constitutional amendments that lift a decades-old ban on women wearing Islamic head scarves at the country's universities.
Saturday's vote was the second and final procedure on an amendment that says no one can be deprived of their right to higher education. The text refers to Muslim women who could not attend classes while wearing head scarves.
Lawmakers also approved an amendment that says all Turkish citizens will be treated equally by the state and its institutions.
The amendments, which are part of a reform package, were backed by Turkey's ruling party and the right-wing Nationalist Movement Party. The change is bitterly opposed by opposition lawmakers and secularists who believe it will threaten Turkey's cherished secular traditions.
The change will allow female students to wear head scarves as long as they are tied under the chin, leaving the face more exposed. The change will not apply to university teachers or civil service workers. Burqas, which cover the whole body, will remain prohibited.
Turkey banned head scarves in public places, schools and universities in the 1980s.
(ap, afp, prev)
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