Prayer
Aziz, who juggles many activities, wishes to perform his prayers on time. He is sometimes forced to pray outdoors or at work and wonders if this is legal. Similarly, he wonders if his children can pray at school or university. What does the law say? 1. Praying in public spaces In France, the Declaration of […]
The Main French Courts
The French judicial system is divided into two major independent jurisdictional orders based on the principle of dual jurisdiction: The administrative order covers disputes involving the administration (State, local authorities, public services) and is competent to handle disputes related to administrative actions (example: refusal of a building permit by the city hall). The judicial order […]
Indirect Discrimination
Malika wants to join a gym near her home, and she wears a headscarf. While inquiring, she notices that the internal regulations state: “All headgear is strictly prohibited (caps, hats, hoods, etc.)”. Since it’s not only religious headgear that is targeted, and all clients are concerned, she’s unsure if this constitutes discrimination. In reality, Malika […]
Ritual Slaughter for Eid al-Adha
As Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) or Eid al-Kebir (Great Feast) approaches, Sofiane inquires about ritual slaughter to perform it under the best conditions, particularly in compliance with national regulations, standards, food safety, health, animal protection, and environmental norms. What does the law say? The law authorizes ritual slaughter only in approved slaughterhouses, permanent or […]
Disciplinary Procedure in Public Educational Institutions
Article R.511-13 of the Education Code states that: “I In colleges and high schools under the authority of the Minister of Education, the sanctions that can be imposed on students are as follows: 1° Warning; 2° Reprimand; 3° Accountability measure; 4° Temporary exclusion from class. During the sanction, the student is accommodated in the institution. […]
Polling Station and Religious Symbols
What does the law say? If you are the president of a polling station: It should be noted that the law requires neutrality from all state representatives. Thus, a president of a polling station cannot wear religious symbols, in the name of public service neutrality. If you are an assessor: They are not bound by […]
Home Education
Home education (IEF), sometimes called ‘homeschooling’, is an educational option that has long been available to families. The right to education is affirmed by numerous international, constitutional, and legislative texts (thirteenth paragraph of the Preamble to the 1946 Constitution and Article 2 of the Additional Protocol to the European Convention for the Protection of Human […]
Forensic Medical Unit and the Role of the Forensic Doctor
Following an accident or assault, and generally after filing a complaint, you can go as a victim to a Forensic Medical Unit (UMJ). You may wonder about its role and that of the forensic doctor. What is a Forensic Medical Unit (UMJ)? A Forensic Medical Unit (UMJ) is a place where medical staff collaborate with […]
Identity Document Renewal and Headscarf
Najat has an appointment at the town hall to submit her application for the renewal of her national identity card. The town hall agent then asks her to remove her headscarf, at the counter in front of everyone, in order to verify her identity for verification and security reasons. As for Charlotte, she saw her […]
Dress Codes in Public Schools
Many middle and high school female students contact us about their clothing, which is sometimes perceived as an “ostentatious sign of religious affiliation” by their school. Can I be prohibited from wearing a tunic, loose pants, skirt or long dress within my school? What does the law say? Regarding clothing choice: First, LAW No. 2004-228 […]
