The German nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party says that Islam does not belong in Germany. Associated Press reports that the party is pushing for a ban on minarets, muezzin calls and headcoverings for women in schools.
This stance is in opposition to Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has repeatedly stated that Islam is part of Germany and advocated for religious pluralism.
About 20 percent of the country's population has an immigrant background, mostly from Muslim countries. In addition, over a million refugees and migrants entered Germany in 2015, primarily from Syria.