A 15-year-old French Muslim girl was asked to leave the class twice for wearing a skirt that was too long . The education institute said it was a conspicuous display of religion, as reported by the Washington Post based on French media reports.
France has strict rules when it comes to wearing overtly religious symbols in educational institutions. The student identified as Sarah, had already removed her head scarf when she entered the school in accordance with the French law. Her long skirt was deemed as provocative and a potential act of protest.
As expected the news sparked an outcry on social media, with people remarking on the hypocrisy and bigotry beneath Sarah’s treatment. On Twitter the hashtag #JePorteMaJuppeCommeJeVeux (I wear my skirt as I like) was trending.
Critics of France’s secularist laws say they often thinly conceal a widespread bias against Muslims and immigrants in French society.
This is not the first time Muslims have been persecuted in France. The French government has passed several laws banning women from wearing headscarves in specific areas or while doing specific jobs, such as educational institutions or while providing a public service.
The blatant Islamophobia in France is driving many secularists around the world to question the harsh laws that are being enforced. Secularism means the separation of State and religion, therefore the government should not have the right to enforce religion or secularism on the public. All citizens should have the right to profess, propagate and promote whatever religion they wish in a law abiding manner.
Feature image source: inminds.co.uk