Secularism holds a significant place in the history of France. However, recent debates revolve around the implementation of this principle, especially regarding the display of religious symbols and attire in public spaces. In this context, pressures on the freedom of Muslim women in France to wear headscarves are escalating.
Wearing any religious symbol, including headscarves, is prohibited in all public areas in France. Additionally, mothers wearing headscarves are not allowed to accompany their children on school trips. A decision on September 7, 2023, further prohibited wearing abayas in schools, reigniting debates on the application of the principle of secularism.
The Muslim Rights Action (ADM) opposed the “abaya ban,” stating that wearing such clothing did not constitute a serious and clear intervention into fundamental freedoms. However, the French Council of State emphasized that students are forbidden from wearing signs or clothing that visibly indicate religious affiliation within public boundaries, endorsing the government’s ban.[1]
In response to these debates, an Algerian writer from the French Le Monde criticized women wearing abayas, arguing that even if worn voluntarily, it stemmed from religious pressure. The writer contended that family and societal pressure reinforced this obligation, suggesting that a woman wearing an abaya carried her own prison on the streets. Finally, the writer labeled wearing an abaya as a “militant act” and viewed it as part of a radical Islamic attack. [2]
After the abaya discussions, French President Emmanuel Macron attended the Hanukkah celebration on December 7, 2023, at the Elysée Palace, sparking controversy. Critics deemed Macron’s participation as contrary to secular principles, but he claimed it did not violate secularism since he did not partake in a religious ritual. Macron asserted his intention to make a gesture towards the Jewish community, emphasizing that the event was an official reception.[3]
Supporters argued that Macron’s gesture served the fight against anti-Semitism and supported religious freedoms without violating secularism. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin supported Macron, stating that he respected religions and did not breach secularism.[4]
This incident revived sensitivity towards secularism in France, especially among Muslims who alleged discrimination.[5]According to a survey by the international research firm IFOP, 78% of French Muslims believe that state-imposed secularism is “anti-Islamic,” with a majority considering it discriminatory. The survey indicated that 34% of Muslims perceived secularism as “quite discriminatory,” and 44% saw it as “very discriminatory.”[6]
Muslims in the survey demanded more religious freedom. 54% wanted young girls to have the right not to participate in swimming lessons for religious reasons, and 50% supported students avoiding all classes that could “harm their religious beliefs.” A majority sought holidays for religious celebrations, the ability for athletes to wear headscarves, and public funding for places of worship. Lastly, 72% of Muslims disagreed with the ban on abayas in schools.
These survey results reflect ongoing debates in France regarding secularism and the role of Islam in society. Wearing abayas in France is labeled as “radical Islamist” or a “militant act.” Macron described his participation in the Hanukkah celebration as a “supportive gesture.” However, amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, this move by Macron could be perceived as an indication of discrimination.
[1] “Le Conseil d’Etat valide l’interdiction de l’abaya à l’école, jugée compatible avec les libertés fondamentales”, Francetvınfo, https://www.francetvinfo.fr/societe/religion/religion-laicite/interdiction-de-l-abaya-a-l-ecole-le-conseil-d-etat-valide-l-interdiction-a-l-ecole_6049031.html, (Accessed: 18.12.2023).
[2] “«Paroles de lecteurs»- Le port de l’abaya, un acte militant?”, Lemonde, https://www.lemonde.fr/blog-mediateur/article/2023/10/02/paroles-de-lecteurs-le-port-de-l-abaya-un-acte-militant_6192007_5334984.html#, (Accessed: 18.12.2023).
[3] “Hanouka à l’Élysée: pour Haïm Korsia, Grand Rabbin de France, «la laïcité a été pleinement respectée»“, Le Figaro, https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/pour-haim-korsia-grand-rabbin-de-france-la-laicite-a-ete-pleinement-respectee-a-l-elysee-20231208, (Accessed: 18.12.2023)
[4] “Célébration de la fête juive de Hanoukka à l’Elysée: Emmanuel Macron se défend de toute entorse à la laïcité”, Le Monde, https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2023/12/08/celebration-de-la-fete-juive-d-hanoukka-a-l-elysee-le-crif-estime-que-c-etait-une-erreur-l-opposition-denonce-une-entorse-a-la-laicite_6204593_823448.html, (Accessed: 18.12.2023)
[5]“78 % des musulmans considèrent que la laïcité française est islamophobe”, Le Figaro, https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/78-des-musulmans-considerent-que-la-laicite-francaise-est-islamophobe-20231208, (Accessed: 18.12.2023).
[6] Ibıd.
