Paris Grand Mosque Rector Sparks Outrage: "The Veil Has No Place in France"

Chems-Eddine Hafiz, rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, stirs debate with comments on the veil in France.

Chems-Eddine Hafiz, rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after declaring on BFMTV on April 28, 2025, that “the veil has no place in France today.” While opposing the stigmatization of women who choose to wear it, his remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Muslim communities and reignited debates over France’s strict secular laws, known as laïcité.

Hafiz’s Stance on the Veil

During his interview, Hafiz echoed sentiments expressed by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who on March 26, 2025, called for banning the veil in sports to enforce laïcité. Hafiz referenced his support for the 2004 law banning conspicuous religious symbols in schools, stating, “A young girl shouldn’t have to wear a headscarf,” and emphasizing that schools should remain spaces for education, free from religious expression.

However, Hafiz nuanced his position by rejecting the stigmatization of women who choose to wear the veil. “Where I disagree with Bruno Retailleau is that we must not stigmatize women who want to wear the headscarf,” he said, adding that he sees “no issue” with women wearing it in public spaces like universities, as it’s a personal choice he does not judge.

Backlash from Muslim Communities

Hafiz’s comments have sparked widespread backlash, particularly within France’s Muslim community. On social media, many criticized his stance as a betrayal, accusing him of fueling anti-Muslim sentiment. The Union Algérienne, an advocacy group, issued a scathing statement on X, alleging that Hafiz is “trampling on history” and “feeding hatred” against Muslim women. “Through his statements, Chems-Eddine Hafiz isn’t defending laïcité—he’s pushing the Overton window toward the most abject Islamophobia,” the group declared, condemning his remarks outright.

The controversy taps into ongoing tensions in France over the veil, a symbol often at the center of debates about secularism and identity. The 2004 law, which Hafiz supported, banned religious symbols like the hijab in public schools, a policy that has since expanded to other areas, such as sports, as seen in Retailleau’s recent push, reported by Le Figaro.

Broader Context of Laïcité in France

France’s commitment to laïcité, the principle of secularism separating state and religion, has long been a point of contention, particularly for its Muslim population, the largest in Europe. The veil has been a focal point of this debate, with policies like the 2004 ban and recent restrictions in sports drawing criticism for disproportionately targeting Muslim women. Hafiz’s dual stance—opposing the veil’s presence while rejecting stigmatization—reflects the complex balance between personal freedom and France’s secular framework.

Hafiz, a Franco-Algerian lawyer and rector since 2020, has previously navigated such controversies, as noted in his Wikipedia profile. His role as a Muslim leader often places him at the intersection of religious advocacy and France’s secular expectations, making his statements particularly impactful.

Why This Matters

Hafiz’s remarks highlight the ongoing struggle over religious expression in France, a country grappling with its secular identity amid a diverse population. The backlash underscores deep divisions within the Muslim community and broader society, as debates over the veil continue to shape France’s cultural and political landscape. With rising Islamophobia a concern, as evidenced by groups like Union Algérienne, the discourse around laïcité remains a critical issue for social cohesion.

Key Takeaways

• Chems-Eddine Hafiz, rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, says the veil “has no place in France” on BFMTV.
• He opposes stigmatizing women who wear the veil, advocating for personal choice in public spaces.
• The statement draws fierce criticism from Muslim groups, with Union Algérienne accusing Hafiz of promoting Islamophobia.
• The controversy reflects France’s ongoing tension between laïcité and religious freedom, rooted in laws like the 2004 ban.

Stay informed: Follow updates on France’s secular policies and Muslim community responses.

Sources: BFMTV, Le Figaro, Wikipedia.