A social media campaign launched in France against a planned hijab ban has grown with messages of solidarity for Muslim women.
French women opposing a referendum proposal to ban the hijab if the far right wins next year’s presidential election shared photos and videos of themselves wearing headscarves.
The posts expressed support for people who wear headscarves and included messages saying that women would wear the hijab if the ban came into force.
The National Rally’s plan
Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a lawmaker from the far-right National Rally, said during a program that people wearing the hijab would be fined if his party won next year’s presidential election.
Tanguy’s remarks drew public criticism. The National Rally plans to introduce a ban on wearing the hijab in public through a referendum if it wins the election.
Current rules on the hijab in France
France has enforced a hijab ban for public employees and for students in primary and secondary education since 2004.
The 2027 presidential election
The first round of France’s presidential election will be held on April 18, and the second round on May 2, 2027.
President Emmanuel Macron, who has served two consecutive terms, will not be eligible to run in this election.