Although the 2004 French law banning obvious religious signs in public schools was significantly aimed at Islamic head coverings, the law is also forcing Sikh students to choose between removing their turbans or being expelled. Two days before French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected in New Delhi, protestors took to the streets to demand that the ban on school children wearing turbans in France be revoked immediately. They said they will also appeal to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, also a Sikh, to raise the issue with Sarkozy during his upcoming visit. Wearing a turban is an article of faith for Sikhs, adherents and are required by their religion to have their hair covered. The small Sikh community in France has recently been caught in legal duels with the French government on this issue.
