Turkish opposition condemns lifting of headscarf ban

Ankara: The decision by the Turkish government to allow women to wear the Islamic headscarf in universities has been condemned by opposition MPs.

The government says the current ban on headscarves deprives thousands of girls of higher education.

Opponents say lifting the ban will increase pressure on women to wear the headscarf and Turkish society will become more polarised.

Opposition independent MP Kamer Genc says it's a very sad day.

"Today we're performing the burial ceremony for this Parliament, which was established with the honour and dignity of parliamentarians who fought the against the enemies that invaded our country during the establishment of the Turkish republic," he said.

On Saturday, thousands of secularist Turks protested in Ankara against the government's decision.