FRENCH BAN ON RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS

Early day motion 480, tabled 26 January 2004 by Alex Salmond (Scottish National Party). Signed by 28 members.

That this House registers its concern about the French Government's proposed law to ban the wearing of religious symbols in state schools and other public buildings, including the Muslim hijab, the Jewish skullcap and Christian crosses; expresses its further concern about the remarks of French Education Minister, M. Luc Ferry, that bandanas and even beards in schools could be prohibited under this law, if worn as a religious symbol; believes that such a decision constitutes a breach of human rights and a contravention of the notions of secularism which uphold personal freedoms and liberties, including the right to religious expression; is worried that other parts of Europe may be encouraged to follow the French example; and supports the peaceful demonstrations that took place in many European cities on 17th January to protest against this breach of civil liberties.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Scottish National Party 5, Liberal Democrat 4, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, DUP 1.