French Muslims condemn political statements targeting women in hijab

The French Council of Muslim Faith (CFCM) has strongly condemned political statements targeting Muslim women who wear hijab, warning that such remarks could increase hostility towards women. The CFCM vehemently denounced statements that attempt to link Muslim women wearing headscarves with extremist ideology, emphasizing that those involved bear both political and moral responsibility.

The council warned that such remarks contribute to the public condemnation and endangerment of women who wear headscarves, who are already subjected to insults, threats, intimidation, and attacks. The CFCM refuted the notion that the hijab is an invention of contemporary extremist ideology, stating that the practice exists in various forms in the foundational texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

They emphasized that extremist movements' attempts to instrumentalize it as an ideological banner do not alter its inherent nature, and thus, it cannot justify banning the hijab for those who choose it for religious or personal reasons. The council urged the French Republic to protect women who choose to wear the headscarf, just as they protect those who do not, and emphasized that the choice must be respected.

Additionally, the CFCM criticized the prioritization of measures to control women's clothing in the lead-up to elections, arguing that law enforcement agencies should focus on combating terrorism, crime, drug trafficking, violence against people, and all forms of insecurity. The council also warned against using electoral debates to stoke fear, stigmatization, and division in France, and against banning the hijab in public spaces, which they deemed a violation of constitutionally protected principles and a public incitement to hatred, violence, or discrimination against millions of French citizens.

The CFCM called on political leaders to demonstrate responsibility and restraint and urged citizens committed to freedom, equality, and fraternity to express their voices through public debate and civic mobilization.