Euro-MP seeks clarification of French Government's attempts to clarify their clarification document

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 23rd Apr 2004

Release time: 23/04/2004 Embargo: Immediate

News that the French ban on wearing articles of faith in state schools is descending in to chaos is not surprising according to West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne.

Liz commented following the French Government's announcement that the ban will only apply to religious forms of dress and not traditional forms of dress.

The Liberal Democrat MEP who has led a campaign against the French ban including securing over 4000 signatures on her petition, has told the French Government to repeal the act and end the confusion and farce.

She said:

"The idea that you can divide what is traditional dress and what is religious dress is ridiculous. It is clear the French Government are realising the law they have created is not only unworkable but is causing divisions across France.

"According to the French Ministry of Education's 'clarification' document, religious bandanas are banned in schools but non-religious bandanas are permitted. Sikh turbans are exempt because they are traditional dress but Muslim headscarves are banned because they are considered religious dress. Under the new rules someone could turn up at school wearing a kilt but they would not be allowed to wear a crucifix. Now they are seeking to clarify their clarification document.

"The French Government are now in danger of further dividing communities with arguments over what is traditional dress and what is religious dress as their policy descends in to farce. They must now end the confusion and allow people their fundamental right to religious freedom.

"I hope this will now prevent other countries from adopting the ban and realise that apart from breaching human rights the law is unworkable."

ENDS