Former French PM Faces Backlash Over Proposal to Ban Muslim Headscarves for Girls Under 15

Paris:France’s former Prime Minister, **Gabriel Attal**, is facing widespread backlash over his controversial proposal to **ban Muslim headscarves** for girls under the age of 15 in public spaces.

According to French media, Attal — who currently serves as the head of President Emmanuel Macron’s party — suggested that the **public wearing of Islamic headscarves by young girls** should be prohibited. The proposal has sparked intense debate across the French political landscape.

Attal outlined his proposal on **May 20**, just a day before a Defense Council meeting, while addressing a report on **the Muslim Brotherhood and political Islamism in France**. He claimed the move would strengthen state authority and counter religious influence in public life.

He also called for **penalties against parents** who allow their daughters to wear the headscarf, further escalating tensions.

The reaction has been swift and critical from both the **left and right** of the political spectrum — and even within Attal’s own party.

**Élisabeth Borne**, his predecessor as Prime Minister, openly questioned the **legality and practicality** of such a measure. Speaking to the media, she asked:

> “Can we really imagine police officers stopping and fining little girls?”

Critics argue that the proposal not only infringes on **religious freedom**, but also risks **further alienating Muslim communities** in a country already struggling with issues of integration and secularism.

France has long maintained a strict stance on **laïcité** (secularism), but this latest move has reignited the **national debate on religious expression and individual rights**, especially among minors.