France's ban on the wearing of abayas and khamis by Muslim students in public schools has caused controversy and backlash from critics who say the move is discriminatory. The ban, which was introduced with the start of the new school year, is based on a 2004 law aimed at preserving secularism in the country's schools. While the law bans the wearing of all religious symbols, including Muslim headscarves, Christian crosses, Jewish kippas, and Sikh turbans, Muslim students are feeling particularly targeted, according to some activists.
French Education Minister Gabriel Attal argues that the wearing of abayas and khamis is an infringement on secularism and that students wearing them are trying to destabilize schools. However, critics say that the loose, body-covering garments do not constitute an ostentatious display of religion and should therefore not be banned from classrooms.
The controversy has put French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne in a difficult position, with some accusing her of "manipulation and attempts at provocation." She has denied any unfair treatment and says that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their religion.
While French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledges that there will likely be cases of students testing the new rule and trying to "defy the republican system," he emphasizes that the school system will be intractable on the subject and that "specific personnel" will be sent to "sensitive" schools to help enforce the law and dialogue with students and families if needed.
The question remains: Is France's ban on abayas and khamis an infringement on the religious beliefs of Muslim students or a necessary step to preserve secularism in the country's public schools? Only time will tell how effective and fair the law will be in practice.
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