French ban of abaya robes in schools draws applause, criticism
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The decision on the robes, worn by some Muslim women, is part of a ban on religious symbols in state schools to uphold France's strict brand of secularism.

The French government’s decision to ban children from wearing the abaya, the loose-fitting, full-length robes worn by some Muslim women, in state-run schools drew applause on Monday from the right, but also criticism.