(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/7/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today denounced a decision by a French court to uphold the government’s decision to ban Muslim students from wearing the abaya, a long, flowing robe-like garment worn by many Muslim women.
France’s highest court for complaints against government authorities rejected a motion by for an injunction against the ban, claiming – despite all evidence to the contrary – that it was not discriminatory toward Muslims.
CAIR recently condemned the abaya ban and reiterated its call on the U.S. State Department to designate France a country of particular concern.
In a statement, CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor said:
“That the court would uphold this clearly Islamophobic, sexist and racist ban – which intentionally and solely targets female Muslim students – is yet another indication of the French government’s obsession with controlling and intimidating the Muslim community. Our nation’s leaders must speak out against this violation of religious and human rights.”
Saylor added that the ruling is reminiscent of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on President Trump’s Muslim Ban.He noted that CAIR has previously called for France to be designated as a country as particular concern because of similar Islamophobic policies and actions.
SEE: CAIR Calls on Sec. of State Blinken to Condemn, Address Actions Targeting Mosques in India, France
CAIR Urges Biden to Condemn France’s Forced Closure of Last Major French Muslim Civil Rights Organization
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, [email protected], 202-384-8857; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected], CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]