France Bans Islamic Abayas in Schools, Violates Secular Laws in Education

The French education minister Gabriel Attal is set to ban Muslim schoolgirls from wearing the Islamic abayas in classrooms, saying that “when you walk into a classroom, you shouldn’t be able to identify the pupils’ religion just by looking at them”. He believes secularism means the freedom to emancipate oneself through school. 

Attal described the abaya as a religious gesture, aimed at testing the resistance of the republic toward the secular sanctuary that school must constitute. France has already banned women from wearing the Islamic headscarf (hijab). Abaya is a long, baggy garment worn as a modest dress prescribed in Islam. In 2004, France banned the wearing of signs or outfits by which students ostensibly show a religious affiliation in schools, including large crosses, Islamic headscarves and Jewish kippas. 

The French education ministry had been looking at banning the abaya because it openly displays a religious affiliation. It also ban bandannas and long skirts. The right-wing applauded the ban saying they had called for the same several times. However, the left-wing opposition France Unbowed party criticized the move, describing it as “policing of clothing”. 

Clementine Autain condemned the decision as unconstitutional and against the founding principles of France’s secular values. She said the ban was symptomatic of the French government’s obsessive rejection of Muslims. The French Council of Muslim Faith pointed out that clothing alone is not a religious sign. 

Though French politicians defend the country’s legislation as secularism, analysts say it’s part of white supremacy, xenophobia, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment. Besides schools, France has banned religious symbols in sports competitions as well. 

Shireen Ahmed, a Canadian sports journalist and activist, said in 2021 that a ban for hijab means there is no sense of true belonging for Muslim women. “Football is truly a world language and it’s a vehicle for inclusion for so many people. So why on Earth would we exclude certain people?” Ahmed believes Muslim women are not all monolithic. “We’re all not the same.” She feels the most important thing is to actually include Muslim women in the discussion.

EU Reporter

As vast is the European region, the more diverse are the developments and news that are to be known. I bring to table the news and political affairs from region to your screens.

Recent Posts

Spirit Airlines Closure Rumors Cause Chaos among Travelers Before the Summer Season of 2026

A typical Friday quickly turned into a disaster for many travelers after the news spread that there were rumors of… Read More

May 2, 2026

Why MacKenzie Scott’s Wealth Keeps Growing Even After Giving Away Billions

For most people, donating billions of dollars would dramatically shrink their fortune. But for philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the opposite has… Read More

April 30, 2026

UAE’s Bold OPEC Exit: Turbocharging Oil Recovery After Hormuz Reopens?

The United Arab Emirates just announced a major change in the oil industry: it is leaving OPEC and OPEC+ starting… Read More

April 30, 2026

iPhone 18 Pro Leaks Show Off Bold New Colors But Apple Fans Are Asking One Big Question

Apple fans woke up to a flood of fresh leaks on Thursday, and one detail instantly stole the spotlight: the… Read More

April 30, 2026

Netflix in May 2026: 5 New Shows and Movies Everyone Will Be Talking About

The Netflix team is gearing up for May 2026 with an offering that is likely to cater to almost all… Read More

April 30, 2026

48-Team World Cup 2026 Panini Album Sparks Outrage as Completion Costs Soar Past £1,000

For generations of football fans, few traditions have matched the excitement of opening a fresh pack of Panini stickers during… Read More

April 30, 2026

This website uses cookies.

Read More