A Swedish school. Photo: Sebilden.

Sweden passed a law that restricts homeschooling and could infringe on religious freedom in the country, Lubavitch Chabad reported. Orthodox Jewish children who were previously educated by an international, online school had to transfer to a Swedish school by February 1, or the parents would face a fine of 16000 crown ($2400).

“This is a stain on the reputation of a country that takes pride in equality as a fundamental value,” said Rabbi Alexander Namdar. Four of his children are affected by the new law. Guy Linderman, a Swedish Jew, said that the law was originally intended to help the children of immigrants, “many of whom were denied an education, and had grown up illiterate, incapable of signing their names.” But Linderman objects to the application of the law when it comes to religious families.

“We’re two parents fighting city hall for the right to give our children a Jewish education,” said Namdar’s wife Leah. They don’t plan to compromise.