In May 2018, Parliament officially passed a law banning the wear of any garment that covers the face, effectively prohibiting burqas and niqabs. Politicians who support this law argue that it is a matter of national security, while opponents of the law argue that it is a means of discriminating against Muslim women.[72] Justice Minister Soren Pape Poulsen defended the law, arguing that the Muslim dress violated Danish values.[73] Following the passing of the law, a number of protests were held across the nation.