France's far-right National Front Party leader Marine Le Pen promised in an interview Sunday that if elected president she would outlaw the public display of religious symbols and clothing. Le Pen said that as part of the struggle against radical Islam, she would expand the scope of an existing law that prohibits conspicuous signs of religious affiliation in public schools to include all public spaces. The prohibition would restrict Jews from wearing kippahs in public. Le Pen said Jewish and Christian symbols would have to be included in the ban along with Muslim symbols, in the name of "national interest." She said that even though this would be a "sacrifice," she believes the ban is called for and that French citizens must understand that it is part of the struggle against radical political Islam. Le Pen's declaration comes in an apparent response to statements made by moderate right-wing party candidates attempting to gnaw away at her popularity. Her political opponent, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, recently declared his intention to ban burqas in the workplace and in universities. Over the past few months, Le Pen has tried to court the political center and expand her support base, a move seen as beyond her limitations. Her recent statements have been interpreted as a return to the solid core of her supporters. Le Pen is expected to enter the second round of elections next year, but is likely to lose to former Prime Minister Alain Juppe, who has garnered 66% support in a poll as opposed to her 34%.
