BY:  KRISTIAN ALEXANDER

Is Banning Women’s Garments Really A French Value?

Image Credit: Paul Gavinger /Flickr

France bans abayas in state-run schools to uphold secularism, extending restrictions on religious clothing.

France's laïcité can alienate religious minorities with headscarf and abaya bans, undermining religious expression.

Amid French turmoil, abaya ban adds to challenges for President Macron, facing protests and resource threats.

Anti-government protests erupted in July due to police shooting, causing $1 billion in damage and 2,000 arrests.

Macron's timing of Islamic symbol crackdown may aim to appease right-wing political allies and gain support.

Decision bridges right-wing and far-left support, despite historical differences on religion's role in state affairs.

Moderate liberals oppose abaya ban, citing it infringes on religious freedom and undermines cultural acceptance.

France embraces cultural diversity, including Muslim communities with diverse views on clothing and identity.