French assembly adopts ban on religious garb

PARIS (RNS) A plan to ban Muslim head scarves and other religious symbols in French schools inched closer to law Tuesday, as France’s National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of the legislation.

Out of the National Assembly’s 577 deputies, 494 voted in favor of a bill to ban Muslim head scarves, Jewish skull caps, Christian crosses and other “conspicuous” religious symbols from French public schools.

Only members of France’s smaller Communist and Republican parties voted against the measure.

Those supporting such a religious symbols ban argue the issue touches the very heart of France’s cherished secularity. French public schools should foster learning and citizenship, they assert – not religious and cultural differences.