France clarified on Tuesday that wearing turbans in the country and it’s restriction applies only “to the wearing of any visible religious signs, without any discrimination, in public schools.”
The embassy of France clarified its stance on the restrictions imposed on the wearing of the Sikh turban in France.
France upholds the freedom of religion, as well as the right not to have one, and opposes discriminations on this ground. There is no ban on the wearing of turbans. French law in this matter is very precise: the restriction applies to the wearing of all visible religious signs, without any discrimination, and it applies only to public schools. It leaves it to the heads of public schools to take the most appropriate measures, so that it is implemented in a sensitive manner. This measure has been explained to the Indian authorities and representatives of the Sikh community in France, with whom a regular dialogue has been established. There has been no particular problem in its application.French Embassy Statement
Outside the premises of public schools, wearing the Sikh turban is very much allowed in public space, contrary to the allegations of certain radical organisations. Only the burkha is banned in public places, for obvious security reasons. Furthermore, neither Sikhs wearing turbans in the streets nor Sikh shrines were ever subject to any hostility in France.French Embassy Statement
The issue had come to light during French President Francois Hollande’s visit to India last month when he was petitioned by some Sikh organisations to reverse the turban ban in France.
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee had urged Hollande to lift the ban on wearing turbans for Sikh children living in France.
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