France's education minister bans long robes in classrooms. They're worn mainly by Muslims

Aug 28, 2023

PARIS (AP) — France’s education minister announced Monday a ban on long robes in classrooms starting with the new school year, saying the garments worn mainly by Muslims are testing secularism in the nation’s schools.

France's education minister bans long robes in classrooms. They're worn mainly by Muslims

FILE - Women wait in line before voting for the first round of the presidential election at a polling station Sunday, April 10, 2022 in the Malpasse northern district of Marseille, southern France. France's education minister announced on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 that long robes in classrooms would be banned starting with the new school year, saying that secularism in the nation's schools is being "tested" via the garments, worn mainly by Muslims. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

PARIS (AP) — France’s education minister announced Monday a ban on long robes in classrooms starting with the new school year, saying the garments worn mainly by Muslims are testing secularism in the nation’s schools.

Critics say that abayas, worn by women, and khamis, the male garb, are no more than a fashion statement. They say the garments do not constitute an ostentatious sign of religion and should not be banned from classrooms under a 2004 law.

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