The French government is determined to advance legislation that combats practices that go against the republic's values, such as forced marriages and virginity tests. Opponents, however, say the law risks angering some members of the Muslim community.
The prime minister, Jean Castex, told reporters that the law would give authorities the tools they need to fight political and ideological ventures that run counter to values and sovereignty.
Even underlined sometimes go up to criminal acts. The cabinet formally backed the bill, taking it to the lower house of parliament, where approval is not a problem as the government and allies have a majority of representatives.
"This draft law is neither a text against religions nor against Muslims in particular. Rather, it is a law of liberty and protection. "It is a law of emancipation in the face of religious fundamentalism and more generally, in the face of all ideologies and distortions that pursue the same goals," said French Prime Minister Jean Castex.
The debate over this law has become even hotter since October 16, after the macabre murder of a teacher who showed his students cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a lesson on freedom of expression.
French officials stress that current laws are not enough to allow the police to sanction conduct that is not entirely criminal but violates the republic's values.