In a move that has sparked debate and legal challenges, the French government recently enforced a ban on the wearing of abayas, long Muslim robes, in state-run schools. The ban went into effect at the start of the new school year on September 4th, leading to a response from students, parents, and legal advocates.
French Education Minister Xavier Dupont announced the ban at the end of August, citing the need to maintain a secular environment in state schools and government buildings. France has a longstanding ban on religious signs in these institutions, which includes headscarves, large crosses, and Jewish kippas. The ban on headscarves has been in place since 2004.
However, the wearing of abayas in schools has been a point of contention, leading to a sharp divide in French politics.
Right-wing parties have advocated for a ban on the grounds of maintaining France’s secular principles, while left-leaning groups and human rights advocates have expressed concerns over the rights of Muslim women and girls.
Official figures recently released by the French education ministry reveal that on Monday, nearly 300 pupils arrived at school wearing abayas. Most of these students, primarily aged 15 or older, agreed to change into different clothing as part of a dialogue with school staff. This allowed them to commence their classes as usual.
However, 67 girls refused to comply with the ban and were sent home. A further dialogue with their families will occur, but if unsuccessful, they may face exclusion from school.
Despite the initial resistance, the French government views the ban as having been broadly accepted. Approximately 12 million students began the new term on Monday, and the number of students wearing abayas represented a small fraction of the total. Authorities believe this demonstrates the ban’s overall acceptance.
Nonetheless, the ban faces a legal challenge brought by a group representing some Muslims. This legal challenge is set to go before the courts shortly.
The ban on abayas is not the first of its kind in France. In 2010, the country banned the wearing of full-face veils in public, a move that sparked controversy and garnered international attention. The ban affected France’s significant Muslim community, which numbers around five million.
France’s strict stance on secularism in education dates back to the 19th century when it aimed to limit any Catholic influence in public education. Over the years, the law has evolved to include bans on other religious symbols, including the Muslim headscarf and Jewish kippa. However, this marks the first time that abayas have been banned outright in French schools.
The ban on abayas in French schools has ignited a contentious discussion on secularism, religious freedoms, and cultural identity. As legal challenges unfold, the future of the ban and its implications remain uncertain.
