Muslim headscarves barred in all public areas in France under new measures proposed by Marine Le Pen
Far right leader brands ‘Islamist ideologies’ as ’totalitarian and murderous’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Muslim headscarves would be prohibited in all public areas in France under new measures proposed by French far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
Ms Le Pen claimed the headscarf was an “Islamist” piece of clothing as she branded “Islamist ideologies” as “totalitarian and murderous” at a press conference where she unveiled the newly suggested law.
The court would challenge the measure proposed by the leader of the National Rally party – previously known as the National Front – and be likely to declare it unconstitutional.
It comes after the prime minister, Jean Castex, recently ruled out a bid to ban religious veils for children in public spaces in France.
The proposal had been suggested by a member of Emmanuel Macron’s party and had the support of senior politicians in the centrist party as well as gaining Ms Le Pen’s backing.
Speculation has mounted that Ms Le Pen could win the 2022 election by capitalising on mounting discontent over the coronavirus crisis and the ensuing financial fallout from the pandemic.
A poll carried out by Harris Interactive found Le Pen would be close behind Macron, managing to clinch 48 per cent of the vote, while the current French leader would be elected again with 52 per cent. This is the smallest margin a poll pitting the two leaders against each other has ever found.
Ms Le Pen, who is the youngest daughter of Jean-Marie Le Pen, a convicted racist who is former president of the National Front, is known for her virulently xenophobic and islamophobic views.
The politician, who suffered a massive defeat to Mr Macron in the 2017 presidential elections, has long pledged to implement a heavy clampdown on immigration as well as outlawing the Muslim headscarf.
In 2016, Ms Le Pen branded Donald Trump’s win as president in the US as “an additional stone in the building of a new world”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments