In 2004, The French Minister of Education ordered the expulsion from schools of all female students who wore the hijab. The French government took no action against Roman Catholic students wearing a crucifix, Protestant students wearing a cross, Sikh male students wearing a turban, or Jewish male students wearing a yarmulke (skullcap).
So if France supports Freedom of religion, then why were only muslims targeted? & now its the niqab that is banned.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/rt_franc2.htm