French Assembly passes bill aiming to curb Islamism

France’s National Assembly on Tuesday passed legislation intended largely to counter a surge in Islamism in towns and cities which the government says threatens national unity.

The legislation did not single out any special religion, but it cracked down on practices such as forced marriage and virginity tests.

It incorporated strong measures against online apologists for actions of violence, sterner surveillance of religious associations, and tighter restrictions on teaching children outside mainstream schools.