France’s Education Minister Gabriel Attal has announced that wearing abayas will no longer be permitted in French schools.
The decision follows months of debate on the topic, as France has traditionally banned religious symbols like the Islamic headscarf. While the right and far-right supported the ban, the left argued it could infringe on civil liberties.
Previously, a 2004 law prohibited visible religious affiliations, encompassing items like crosses, kippas, and headscarves. Unlike headscarves, abayas, representingIs modest Islamic attire, had occupied a grey area until now.
A circular issued in November 2022 already indicated abayas’ potential ban if worn to openly display religious affiliation, similar to bandannas and long skirts. The new rule will be enforced as classes resume on September 4.
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