French Interior Minister advocates university veil ban

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has voiced support for banning the wearing of hijab at universities, reigniting debate over religious attire in public spaces, including sports and schools. Speaking on the show Les Grandes Gueules on RMC this Thursday, he responded affirmatively when asked about the issue.

«I would like to see this happen because I recognize that there is a form of Islamism that does not reflect traditional Muslim faith. This Islamism seeks to assert its own flag, its own values—which, in my view, promote the subjugation of women—and we must be vigilant», he said.

Retailleau added nuance to his remarks, stressing the importance of not stigmatizing Muslims. «As Minister of the Interior and of Religious Affairs, I understand the sensitivity of the matter. When making such statements, I don’t want our Muslim compatriots to feel targeted. On the contrary, I believe we must explain this carefully, emphasizing that political Islamism in fact distorts the faith of Muslim believers. It is in everyone’s interest to make that distinction», he added.

These comments are consistent with Retailleau's stance since at least January. In a previous interview with Le Parisien, he had already expressed support for banning veils during school trips and at universities. At the time, however, the government dismissed the idea as a «personal position», according to spokesperson Sophie Primas.

In response, Philippe Baptiste, the minister under Élisabeth Borne responsible for Higher Education and Research, emphasized that while teachers and administrators are bound by neutrality, students are free to express personal convictions, including religious ones, as long as they respect the principles of the Republic.

The wearing of veils has been banned in secondary schools since the 2004 law on secularism, but remains permitted for students in universities. Full-face coverings, however, are still prohibited. Retailleau has said he supports extending the ban to include universities as well.

In a previous decision, the Council of State ruled that school trip chaperones wearing veils did not violate the principle of secularism.