Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party), on Monday, 26 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 28 members in total.

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FRENCH BAN ON RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS

That this House registers its concern about the French Government's proposed law to ban the wearing of religious symbols in state schools and other public buildings, including the Muslim hijab, the Jewish skullcap and Christian crosses; expresses its further concern about the remarks of French Education Minister, M. Luc Ferry, that bandanas and even beards in schools could be prohibited under this law, if worn as a religious symbol; believes that such a decision constitutes a breach of human rights and a contravention of the notions of secularism which uphold personal freedoms and liberties, including the right to religious expression; is worried that other parts of Europe may be encouraged to follow the French example; and supports the peaceful demonstrations that took place in many European cities on 17th January to protest against this breach of civil liberties.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

480 

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Clothing France Pupils Schools Religion Religious freedom

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk