LONDON: France’s top court declared on Monday that the country’s prohibition on the abaya is constitutional.
The Council of State said that it had turned down an appeal from three groups challenging the government’s recent ban on the abaya, a full-length, loose-fitting garment worn by certain Muslim kids to school.
An appeal against the prohibition was submitted last week by the French unions Sud Education Paris, La Voix Lyceenne, and Le Poing Leve Lycee.
Lawyer for the Muslim Rights Action (ADM) Vincent Brengarth appealed the abaya ban to the Council of State on August 31 on the grounds that it infringes “several fundamental freedoms.”
The ADM appeal was denied by the Council of State on September 7; they stated, “This ban does not seriously violate and is not manifestly illegal to the right to respect for private life, the freedom of religion, the right to education.”
The contentious action prompted widespread criticism of the government, which has been accused in recent years of discriminating against Muslims by remarks and policies such as the raiding of mosques and charitable organisations and the passing of a “anti-separatism” law that places severe limitations on Muslims.
