The New York Times takes a look at how Muslims in France are affected by the “laicite” laws which dictate a strict separation of church and state. Under this mandate, France has passed two laws — one in 2004 which banned the veil in public schools and another, in 2011, banning full-face veils. Observant Muslim women say that these restrictions have prevented them from picking up their children from school and participating in class outings. And many cite even more serious concerns such as Islamophobia.
