Secularism in France

In 2004, the French Government passed a law banning religious symbols in school areas. This included Christian crosses, a Muslim hijab, a Jewish yarmulke, and any other type of religious attire. Students wearing this attire could be punished, or even expelled. I think that this is a very unfair law and it should be done away with. Religious items are a very important part of many peoples cultural identity. They reflect what you believe in and what you value.

France has a long history of secularism. They have been trying to have distinct and total separation between state institutions and religion for many years. They have made it so that religious symbols are not permitted in any state funded buildings. This may be a good thing for it will help protect people from discrimination based on religion, but it will also interfer with a students right to free education and a students right to freedom of thought and religious expression. This law was also passed to promote the integration of different religions in French society. The youth forced to follow this law will grow up used to not wearing relgious symbols, so they will be less likely to wear religious items in the future. As a result, the youth will integrate with each other as they will not have a choice in the matter.

I think that this law is not a good thing as it will diminish the cultural identity, and religious identity of many people.