THE French government’s new ban on the wearing of abaya dresses in schools is part of their “obsessive rejection of Muslims,” lawmaker Clementine Autain warned today.

Education Minister Gabriel Attal told TF1 television that “it will no longer be possible to wear an abaya at school,” arguing that the garment violated France’s strict secular education laws.

He said he would be issuing “clear rules” to school heads ahead of the new school year which begins on September 4.

A law passed in 2004 banned “the wearing of signs or outfits by which students ostensibly show a religious affiliation” in schools.

Abayas, a long, baggy garment worn to comply with Islamic beliefs on modest dress, were seen as occupying a grey area in the existing legislation.

But Ms Autain of the left-wing opposition France Unbowed party denounced the “policing of clothing,” in what was symptomatic of the government’s “obsessive rejection of Muslims.” 

She added that President Emmanuel Macron’s government was trying to compete with Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally.  

French Communist Party general secretary Fabien Roussel told Sud Radio today he thought a decision was necessary “so as not to leave the heads of establishment alone,” but said: “This is not the priority at the start of the school year.

“The priority is quality and truly free education for all.”