That is, if far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen is elected France's next President.

Le Pen says she knows the ban would be "a sacrifice", but she believes the situation in France is too serious to make any other decision.

"Every French person must understand that we are asking of them a sacrifice in order to fight the advance of political Islam."

Banned clothing and symbols would include everything from Christian crucifixes and prayer beads to the Jewish kippah.

Le Pen clarified a "conspicuous" religious symbol is everything from jewellery to coverings - but says Catholics need not worry.

Speaking to World News, Le Pen said "The Catholic religion doesn't have conspicuous symbols".

She then said Catholicism "invented secularism," which the French Republic respects.

Continuing her reasons for the ban, she said it will "confront the rise in power and extremely strong pressure of political Islam that uses women and the veil to advance their propositions."

When asked if religious police would be established to enforce the ban, Le Pen said the normal national police force will be responsible to uphold what would become law.

Source

• Catholic Online
• Image: France 24

The church's House of Bishops has deemed the constitution, policies, activities and statements of the National Front and the British National Party incompatible with the Church of England's teachings.

This is in relation to the church's teaching on equality of persons or groups of different races.

Membership of either party by clergy would be considered unbecoming and inappropriate conduct, amounting to a potential disciplinary offence, the bishops decided.

Complaints can also be laid if clergy promote or express support for either party.

The House of Bishops' decision will come into effect on July 11 unless the Church of England's General Synod decides to debate the issue.

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