No head scarves, yarmulkes

last updated 8 January 2015

Paris

An independent commission has recommended that French schools forbid “conspicuous” religious symbols, such as head scarves on Muslim girls, yarmulkes on Jewish boys, and large crosses worn by Christians. “Discreet symbols,” such as “medallions, small crosses, Stars of David, hands of Fatima, or small Korans,” would be acceptable. The commission’s main focus was on Muslim head scarves, which have been a divisive issue in France as its West African and Arab minorities continue to grow. The commission said Islamic leaders were pressuring French Muslims to identify as Muslims first, French citizens second. “Without doubt there are forces in France that are trying to destabilize the republic,” said the commission’s head, former education minister Bernard Stasi. “It’s time for the republic to react.”