Rabat – France’s Education Minister, Gabriel Attal, has declared that the abaya, a loose-fitting full-length robe worn by some Muslim women, will be prohibited in state-run schools. The announcement comes just ahead of the upcoming back-to-school season and follows months of discussions on the role of religious attire within French educational institutions, Al Jazeera reported earlier today.
Known for its historical commitment to secularism, France has grappled with how to navigate the presence of a growing Muslim minority while upholding its tradition of separating religion from the public sphere.
Dating back to the 19th century, laws have been in place to ensure the absence of religious symbols within state schools. This policy initially targeted Catholic influences and was later extended to cover other religious symbols like the Jewish kippah and Islamic headscarves.
The latest decision adds the abaya to the list of banned religious attire, a list that already included headscarves, large crosses, and full face veils. The prohibition of the hijab in schools dates back to 2004 and the ban on full-face veils in public spaces was enacted in 2010, both of which stirred controversy within France’s diverse communities, particularly the Muslim population.
“I have decided that the abaya could no longer be worn in schools,” Minister Attal asserted during an interview with TV channel TF1. He further justified the decision by stating: “When you walk into a classroom, you shouldn’t be able to identify the pupils’ religion just by looking at them.”
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The decision has reignited discussions about the balance between secularism, individual rights, and cultural expression.
The right-wing and far-right factions have long advocated for such a ban, asserting that it strengthens France’s secular identity and prevents the apparent display of religious affiliation in educational institutions. On the other hand, critics, primarily from the left, argue that such a move could encroach on personal liberties and lead to cultural isolation for Muslim students.
Unlike previous bans, the prohibition of abayas presents a unique challenge, as these garments have been considered to exist within a “grey area” of religious attire. This latest development has brought forth a larger question about the scope of religious expression and the extent to which clothing can be deemed a religious sign.
The French Council of Muslim Faith (CFCM), a national organization representing various Muslim associations, has expressed concerns about the decision. They argue that items of clothing alone should not be categorized as “religious signs” and fear that such restrictions could perpetuate feelings of marginalization among Muslim communities.
