French school abaya ban sparks secularism row
Aug 29, 2023
Paris [France], August 29: The French government's decision to ban schoolgirls wearing abayas - long, flowing dresses of Middle Eastern origin - has opened a fresh debate about the country's secular laws and the treatment of Muslim minorities. Education Minister Gabriel Attal said Sunday that the dresses, worn by some Muslim girls, would no longer be allowed in schools as students prepared to return to their classrooms after the summer holidays. "Our schools are being tested.