Debate over secularism and freedom of religion started yet again after France banned wearing abaya at schools
Posted in News3 mn readFrance finally declares ban on wearing abayas in French schools, where women have already been banned from wearing hijab. The loose-fitting, full-length robe worn by some Muslim women represents their religion and is a matter of debate in the country since long. France Education Minister Gabriel Attal in an interview with a TV Channel TF1 said, ‘I have decided that the abaya could no longer be worn in schools.’ He further added, ‘When you walk into a classroom, you shouldn’t be able to identify the pupils’ religion just by looking at them.’ The Muslim population living in the country are very hostile with constant legal prohibitions imposed by administration. According to the latest special Eurobarometer 493 (2019) the Muslim population in France is estimated to be 5% or 3.35 million.
