French Lawmakers Propose Ban on Religious Symbols for Minors, Sparking Controversy

These two amendments aim to "prohibit the wearing of any conspicuous religious symbol by minors in the public space", and to "prohibit the wearing of any garment or clothing that would signify the inferiority of women over men for minors," reports Le Parisien. In other words, it is a question of banning the wearing of the veil for little girls, because "there should be no taboo," says the elected official.

"It is unbearable to see a 5-year-old girl wearing a veil, and this draft law allows us to legislate. So why wouldn’t we go all the way with our convictions? It is our role as legislators to protect the most vulnerable, supports the deputy from Yvelines. We should all agree to put an end to an unbearable practice that is a clear violation of the basic rights of children. We have the opportunity to do so in this text."

This position goes against the government’s position. The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, had meanwhile indicated that this provision "has nothing to do" with the draft law. "The danger is to divert the debate on this issue which has no place today," he warned, during a recent government seminar. "On the substance, it has no connection. And it can lead to the stigmatization of Muslims, when we have repeatedly stated that this is not a text against the Muslim religion," irritates a pillar of the executive.

"The veil is just an element of media and political pollution of the text. We must not let the draft law on separatism become a draft law on the veil in public opinion. We are going to hysterize everyone. Then the right and the far right are going to jump on it," said one of the members of the government during an off-agenda meeting around Jean Castex. The latter also calls on the majority to "remain united and to stand firm to prevent the controversy from spiraling out of control".