Since 2004, the wearing of headscarves, yarmulkes and crosses on chains has been banned in French schools. Now Emmanuel Macron’s government has also banned the abaya, the overgarment many Muslim women wear, just in time for school to start. French President Emmanuel Macron said: “We are not letting anything get through.” In France, the state and the religious communities are strictly separated.
The ban on long robes in French schools has not caused any conflicts at the start of the new school year, according to the government. “No incidents have occurred,” said Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Monday. She attended a school near Rennes with Education Minister Gabriel Attal.
fierce debates
The ban on abayas, the long cloaks worn by some Muslim women, sparked heated debate. Knee-length or floor-length shirts worn by boys are also covered by the new rule.
Abayas are a religious gesture
According to the government, these are garments that indicate a religious connection with Islam. On the other hand, some of those affected explain that the garment has nothing to do with religion, but is practical and comfortable.
“We have identified 513 schools in which the subject could play a role,” Education Minister Attal told RTL. In these facilities, the staff was specially trained. Talks must first be held with girls who do not want to take off the abaya.
opposition angry
The opposition accuses the minister of banning the clothes worn by some Muslims as a distraction from other problems, such as the continuing shortage of teachers, the rising cost of school supplies and bullying in schools. The debate serves to “cover up the real problems and stigmatize part of the population,” says union boss Sophie Binet.
The Minister of Education confirmed on Monday that no lessons should be lost this school year due to absent teachers. “A teacher before every lesson,” this promise must be kept, Attal said. A new plan to combat bullying in schools should also be presented at the end of this month.
School uniforms are introduced on a trial basis
The subject of school uniforms, which is regularly discussed in France, is back on the agenda. In the fall, several schools will introduce trial uniforms, Attal said. “It’s not a panacea, but it deserves to be tried.”
The school visit by the two government members provoked criticism from the opposition because Borne and Attal had traveled to Rennes by plane. The train connection takes about an hour and a half.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
