Chirac wants law banning Muslim headscarf in school

French President Jacques Chirac called yesterday for a law banning Islamic headscarves and other religious symbols in state schools, despite protests from Muslims in France and across the world.

In a televised speech after months of debate on the role of religion in French society which highlighted the difficulties of Muslim integration, Mr Chirac urged parliament to pass the law before the next school year starts in September.

The ban will extend to other religious symbols including Jewish skullcaps and large Christian crosses, but France's top Muslim representative said it mainly targeted Islam and would further alienate the country's five million Muslims.

"In all conscience, I consider that the wearing of dress or symbols which conspicuously show religious affiliation should be banned in schools," Mr Chirac, standing in front of a French flag, said in a speech to 400 invited guests at his Elysee Palace.