Protest against the French Government's plan to ban headscarf in public institutions

President Jacques Chirac
The Republic of France
55, rue du faubourg Saint-Honorй
75008 Paris

Dear Monsieur Chirac,

We are deeply concerned about your governments plan to ban all conspicuous religious signs in public places, a plan that seems to have a focused target - headscarves in public schools in France. We are further shocked and dismayed by your statements on 17th December 2003 in which you have spoken in favor of such a ban.

Clearly such a ban would compel many Muslim girls to have to make the extremely difficult choice between their education and their religion. Since Hijab is not merely a symbol, its an act of worship in Islam, and Muslim women who practice it, do so solely for complying with the Commandment of God, having been denied this right, many of them would decide to leave school rather than act against their faith. Such a bill would thus lead to a violation of Muslim womens right to education and the right to work, both guaranteed under many international human rights treaties, to which France is a signatory.

This kind of ban is contradictory to the very essence of pluralism, and even secularism, which France has steadfastly upheld for so long. Such a discriminatory move, patronized by the French government, will alienate not only Muslims in France and elsewhere, but also all those who believe in equal and full rights for women and minorities. France, a respected and leading member of the world community, seems to be in a grip of hysterical Islamophobia. As Muslims must do their share to dispel the influence of any extremism, it is vitally important that visionary leaders of the world join hand in hand in curbing all forms of extremism.

Just as you have conscientiously spoken out in recent weeks against anti-Semitism, we urge you as a respected world leader to take a bold and visionary stand against the growing Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred in French society and prevent any legislation being enacted against minorities, especially the Muslim women. Thank you for your time and consideration.