PARIS, November 13 (IslamOnline.net) - The first official move since the issue of hijab in French schools sparked controversy was taken Wednesday, November 12, as a parliamentary committee recommended the implementation a law banning any religious or political signs in schools to allow secularism restore its strength in the European country.

"The committee advices adding a simple, concise and clear constitutional law that can’t be misinterpreted banning all religious and political signs in public schools," said the seven-pages report a copy of which was obtained by IslamOnline.

The ban should also include private schools that have specific contracts with the French government, the report said, adding that this will preserve the neutrality of French schools in general.

The 31-members committee, headed by Jean Louis Debris, head of the French Parliament, presented its report to the Parliament stressing that secularism is in "serious need" to be protected in France more than any other time.

The committee consisted of members representing all political parties in the parliament, namely 19 members from the ruling party, two from the French Socialist Party, two from the French Democratic Union Party, two from the Communist Party and two others from the Republican Party.

The issue of hijab has recently sparked much controversy in France, especially after the establishment of the first Muslim representative body in the country.

Speaking before a panel on secularism set up by President Jacques Chirac, Social Affairs Minister Francois Fillon voiced his personal support for endorsing a bill forbidding "the ostentatious wearing of any religious sings in schools."

He argued this position was based on France's strict secular tradition in the public sector and in the interests of integrating immigrants by instilling French values.

"French schools are all expected to create an atmosphere of coexistence among the students irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. Secularism, in short, is chosen by France and should be adopted by school curricula," he said.

President Chirac set up the secularity commission in July 2003 to rule on whether new legislation was needed to handle a growing debate over religion in schools, particularly Muslim schoolgirls wearing hijab.

President Chirac further set up the secularity commission in July to rule on whether new legislation was needed to handle a growing debate over religion in schools, particularly Muslim schoolgirls wearing hijab.