French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a controversial plan on Friday, starting a fight against so-called “Islamist separatism” in the country.
“HIJAB OR HEADSCARF SHOULD NOT BE WORN INSIDE SCHOOLS”
Macron said in his address in the city of Les Mureaux that Islam is a religion that is “experiencing a crisis across the world.” He argued that “Islamic separatism” was problematic, and added: “The problem is an ideology which claims its own laws should be superior to those of the republic.”
His speech was widely criticized by French Muslims due to fears that the bill which will be submitted to parliament in December, can trigger abuse against them.
Schools will be under tight control and “foreign influence” will not be tolerated in France, he said. Adding that they will be working closely with French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), Macron said the plan aims to “free Islam in France from foreign influences”.
In addition, France will not allow imams from Turkey, Morocco, Algeria or other countries to work in the country as of 2024. Instead, the imams of Muslim communities will be obliged to receive training in France and obtain certification.
Macron argues that the plan aims to “defend the republic and its values” by keeping religion outside of education and public sector. But the controversial plan has sparked criticism since it was first proposed, with some representatives of Muslim community describe the move as “Islamophobic”.