France’s education minister announced on Sunday that the country will prohibit children from wearing the abaya, a loose-fitting, full-length robe worn by some Muslim women, in state-run schools. This decision comes ahead of the back-to-school season.
France has historically upheld a strict ban on religious symbols in state schools, dating back to 19th century laws that aimed to remove Catholic influence from public education. However, recent years have posed new challenges as France addresses its growing Muslim minority.
In 2004, France introduced a ban on headscarves in schools, and in 2010, a ban on full face veils in public, decisions that sparked controversy and drew criticism from some members of the country’s five million-strong Muslim community.
The defense of secularism is a key principle in France, and it unites voices from across the political spectrum. Liberals who champion the values of the Enlightenment and far-right voters seeking to counter the perceived influence of Islam in French society both emphasize the importance of preserving secularism.
“I have decided that the abaya could no longer be worn in schools,” stated Education Minister Gabriel Attal during an interview with TV channel TF1. He further explained the decision by stating, “When you walk into a classroom, you shouldn’t be able to identify the pupils’ religion just by looking at them.”
Michel Rose reported on this development. Giles Elgood was responsible for editing.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
