Thousands Worldwide Protest French Plan to Ban Head Scarves in Schools

Thousands of Muslim women, veiled and unveiled, demonstrated in France, Britain and the Middle East on Saturday against a looming ban on Islamic head scarves in French public schools.

Between 5,000 and 10,000 people marched in Paris waving French and Islamic flags and banners denouncing the proposed ban on veils and other overtly religious symbols, including yarmulkes and large crosses. Women chanted, “The veil is my choice.” The proposal is expected to pass easily and is likely to go into effect in September.

President Jacques Chirac says the aim is to protect the principle of secularism that anchors life in France. However, the ban also is seen as a way to hold back the swell of Islamic fundamentalism in France’s Muslim community -- the largest in Western Europe at an estimated 5 million.

Large demonstrations of several thousand each were held in Beirut and the Gaza Strip, and smaller groups protested in London, Brussels, Bahrain, Bethlehem and the Indian-held portion of Kashmir against the proposed ban.

Critics of the law say it will stigmatize France’s Muslims. French authorities contend the principle of secularism is meant to make everybody equal.

“I think it will make things worse,” Paris demonstrator Kods Mejry, 18, said of the head scarf ban. “There will be no more integration.”

Her blue, white and red scarf matching the French flag was meant “to show that we are French and Muslim and proud of it,” she said.

Mohamed Latreche, the fiery leader of the Paris protest, shouted to the crowd: “You’re playing with fire, Mr. President. We will never accept a law that violates our dignity and liberty.”

In London, more than 2,000 people demonstrated near the French Embassy.

Waving placards, they chanted: “If this is democracy, we say ‘No, merci!’ ”

“The government is isolating Muslims and setting a dangerous precedent,” said Ihtisham Hibatullah, spokesman for the Muslim Assn. of Britain.

Nearby, a small rival group of about 30 demonstrators expressed support for the ban.