French Interior Minister plans to ban hijab outside school premises

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced plans to prohibit the wearing of hijabs by parent chaperones during school trips, referring to such outings as “schools beyond walls.”

In a radio interview on Tuesday, Retailleau argued that the 2004 law banning hijabs and other religious symbols in official institutions applies within school premises and should extend to school activities outside their boundaries, emphasizing that school trips are an extension of school activities, making them subject to the same regulations.

The minister’s remarks targeted volunteer parent chaperones, particularly mothers who wear hijabs during these outings. He stated, “Women accompanying school trips should not wear hijabs. The hijab is a symbol of Islamism and represents women’s subjugation to men.”

Retailleau added that the state must act to curb the spread of what he described as “radical Islamism” in public spaces, sports activities, and school-related events. The French official warned that “political Islam poses a threat to the nation, as its supporters aim to isolate the Muslim community, undermine national cohesion, and ultimately impose Sharia law.”

Retailleau had previously proposed legislation in 2021 to ban religious symbols during school trips. While it was approved by the Senate, it was rejected by the National Assembly. Additionally, a 2013 legal opinion by France’s Council of State declared that school trip chaperones are not public employees and therefore not subject to the 2004 law.