Le Bourget, France
Anger over France’s new ban on religious symbols in public schools brought a record number of attendees to the annual conference of the Union of Islamic Organizations of France. At least 15,000 people showed up each day of the four-day expo last week, up from 8,000 last year. Union president Lhaj Thami Breze said the group would spearhead resistance to the new policy, which bars Muslim girls from wearing head scarves. He urged girls to push the limits of the ban by choosing “discreet headwear,” such as bandannas. Some Muslim women’s groups, though, said no compromise was possible. They called for donations to send girls to private schools.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellationCartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop sceneIn the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
