French MPs debate headscarf ban

Protests against the ban have been held around the world

The French parliament is preparing to debate controversial legislation to ban the wearing of religious items in schools.

Scores of MPs have asked to speak on the bill which would outlaw the wearing of "ostentatious" symbols of faith.

The law would ban Islamic headscarves, large crosses, skullcaps and perhaps also Sikh turbans in state schools.

Polls suggest most French people support a ban on headscarves, but it has outraged some Muslims and other religious communities.

The law would take effect from the beginning of the new school year in September.

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French President Jacques Chirac has said it is necessary to preserve the national principle of secularity - separating religion and state.

The BBC's Caroline Wyatt in Paris says the proposed law has been criticised as clumsy and unclear while there are also fears that it could prove divisive - forcing Muslim girls into separate schools.

But she says there is also support for the strengthening of France's secular tradition.

High profile

Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin will open the debate in the National Assembly - a sign, correspondents say, of just how important the government considers the legislation.

Some 140 members of the 577-seat lower house are reported to have signed up to speak - which is said to be an unusually high number.

Three days have been scheduled for the debate and a vote is set for next week.

Protests against the suggested ban have been held around France and at French missions around the world.

Some Muslims agree with the ban. but others say wearing the headscarf should be allowed under religious freedom.

A ban could also affect men choosing to grow beards - if they do so for religious reasons.

Strict Muslims says the headscarf, or hijab, is necessary to protect women's modesty in keeping with the teachings of the Quran, while Sikhs insist their turbans are central to their cultural identity as well as their religion.