French politicians renew debate on bans targeting Islamic dress for minors
French lawmakers and government officials have renewed debate over proposed restrictions on Islamic dress and religious practices involving minors, with several measures introduced in parliament and discussed publicly in recent weeks.
Laurent Wauquiez, head of the Republicans (LR) group in the National Assembly, has submitted a bill proposing a ban on the wearing of the Islamic headscarf by minors in public spaces.
In the Senate, an LR report proposed additional restrictions, including a ban on fasting during Ramadan for children under the age of 16.
Equality Minister Aurore Bergé said on broadcaster CNews that she supports banning the Islamic veil for minors, saying the measure would be intended “to protect children.”
Former prime minister Gabriel Attal, leader of President Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party, proposed banning the wearing of the Islamic veil in public spaces for minors under the age of 15.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez opposed a parliamentary proposal to ban headscarves for young girls, warning that such a move could stigmatize Muslim minors.
Bruno Retailleau, a former interior minister and current leader of the Republicans party, described the Islamic veil as “a symbol of submission.” During a debate last summer on Muslim women wearing the veil in sports competitions, he said: “Long live sports, and down with the veil.”
The proposals have revived long-running debates in France over secularism and the display of religious symbols in public life.
According to a poll by IFOP, 78% of Muslims in France said it is possible to live according to their faith while respecting republican laws. The poll found that 15% of young Muslims believe Sharia law should apply everywhere, while 31% said it should be adaptable. The survey was based on responses from 1,005 participants.
Debates over Islamic headscarves in France date back to 1989, when three students were suspended from a junior high school for refusing to remove their headscarves.
The proposed measures remain under discussion and have not yet been put to a vote.
