Konflikt wokół chust islamskich we Francji
The Conflict over Islamic Headscarves in France

Summary/Abstract: The problem of wearing religious symbols in France seems to be an issue of extreme importance and one that evokes strong emotions in the Fifth Republic of France. The article gives a short description of the history of the controversy and debate over wearing religious symbols in France. It also looks at the legal regulations, and considers the legitimacy of the adopted solution and its possible consequences. The reflections are presented against the backdrop of the French idea of laïcité, i.e. the lay character of the state and separation of the authority of the state and the Church which functions legally in France since the beginning of the 20th century. 1989 is taken as the starting point of the history of the conflict over wearing religious symbols, since it was then that the „headscarf incident” took place at the school in Creil. From that moment on a heated political and social debate began, in the course of which state authorities made various (also contradictory) decisions „about headscarves” (a cliché for all, not just Muslim religious symbols). Many groups joined in the discussion – churches, lay organizations and public institutions. Interestingly, the debate was not limited to the problem of wearing religious symbols at school, but also concerned other places such as the French street or place of work.

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