In France, abortion rights and hijab bans highlight a double standard on women’s rights

By Roshan Arah Jahangeer, Memorial University of Newfoundland

The French parliament recently voted in favour of enshrining the right to abortion into the country’s constitution. While crowds celebrated outside, the slogan “my body my choice” was projected onto the Eiffel Tower in giant letters.

Although concerns about barriers and access still remain, women in France are now guaranteed the right to an abortion up to 14 weeks into their pregnancy, mirroring Spain but still well behind Sweden’s 18 weeks and the 24 weeks allowed in The Netherlands.

The decision comes at a time when women’s reproductive rights elsewhere are under threat. In contrast to the United States Supreme Court’s decision overturning abortion rights, France’s vote to enshrine them into its constitution looks like a feminist dream.

In his triumphant speech, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said: “We are sending the message to all women: Your body belongs to you and no one has the right to control it in your stead.”

Yet just last year, Attal, as education minister, banned Muslim girls from wearing abayas in schools. His message — and France’s — to Muslim girls and women seems to be the opposite.

https://twitter.com/bpolitics/status/1764749533605454222?t=EElvYu87yaU6O1RH0ZEE1Q&s=19

Hijab bans

France’s double standard on women’s rights is most plainly seen in its treatment of Muslim women and girls. A week after its historic abortion vote, France marks 20 years since the adoption of the March 2004 law that bans students in public schools from wearing conspicuous symbols or clothing that manifest a religious affiliation.

In principle, the 2004 law applies to all students and prohibits them from wearing religious symbols like crosses, kippas (yarmulkes) and hijabs. But in practice, it is a sexist and racist law that disproportionately targets Muslim girls.

My doctoral research showed how Muslim girls are racially and religiously profiled by school administrators and have been suspended or expelled for wearing hoodies, hats, headbands and even long skirts. Last year, they were also banned from wearing abayas, which are long garments that are worn over clothing.

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