In a bold move against French regulations that bar women from wearing religious head coverings in press ID card photos, Moroccan journalist Manal Fkihi is challenging the status quo. The 25-year-old, who wears a hijab, recently appealed the rejection of her press card application, sparking a debate on religious expression and secularism in France.
France’s strict policy of Laïcité, enforcing the separation of church and state, has led to regulations banning religious symbols in public institutions. The press card commission, CCIJP, defended its decision by likening press card photos to passport photos, citing security concerns. However, Fkihi and her lawyer argue that a press card serves as a professional identification document, not a standard ID.
Fkihi emphasizes that the lack of a press card hinders her work, making it challenging to cover events and secure contracts. She sees her appeal as a crucial step in advocating for equal opportunities for veiled women in journalism. The case will be heard by the CCIJP, with the possibility of escalating to the administrative court. The outcome could have far-reaching implications on the conversation around religious expression and secularism in France.\
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