Between Ostentation and Concealment: The Law on the Veil
France passed a law on 15 March 2004 prohibiting students from wearing „conspicuous” religious symbols or clothing („signes religieux ostensibles”) that would display their religious affiliation at school. This would allow everyone to be – beyond the convictions of each individual – „free and equal". However, the question arises whether the law promotes equal treatment in reality. Do all students arrive at the school gate dressed in the same way?