France’s Education Ministry has announced that it would be banning Muslim students from wearing the abaya to state-run schools. The ban on this religious clothing comes ahead of the back-to-school season. As per Education Minister Gabriel Attal, wearing abayas to school violates the state’s secular law.
French Education Minister Gabriel Attal announced the ban during an interview with TF1 TV. The education minister stated that he would be passing on “clear rules at a national level” to school heads, and principals before they reopen for the new session on September 4, 2023.
In 2004, France passed a law with banned students from wearing religious signs or items to schools. This banned the hijab, catholic crosses, Jewish kippas, etc. In 2010 a full ban was passed on wearing veils in public.
France has been known for imposing strict bans on religious items in state-run schools since the 19th century. Back then, the government had banned students from wearing any traditional catholic clothing or items to school with them.