"Hanford said, 'A fundamental principle of religious freedom that we work for in many countries of the world, including on this very issue of headscarves, is that all persons should be able to practice their religion and their beliefs peacefully without government interference as long as they are doing so without provocation and intimidation of others in the society.'
'Where people are peacefully practicing their faith, is it really necessary to be outlawing their manifestation of their own faith?' Hanford asked. 'That's the sort of basis (upon) which we will be discussing this.' "

Now I'm no theological fan of Islam, despite my deep affection for many Muslims. But as I understand it, this law basically is a de facto ban on Muslim girls in schools, as well as Jewish boys. That seems quite unfair. It is also, I think, against the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states

"Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

And France said they supported the UN. I guess they support the UN right up to the point where they disagree with it.