I do not think turban is a religious symbol at all. Turban is basically a socio-cultural head gear of the Indian subcontinent in particular. Long hair on the other hand can definitely be regarded as religious symbol in the modern world! And turban is in fact hiding them!!

What next the French Govt. Plan hide every body's name because they generaly reflect one's religiuous faith and give code numbers to all students to be identified. Either French Govt. Has been hijacked by some Alien Species who have altered their minds or they have gone crazy or they are thankless creatures even to those who laid their lives in the Name of Guru Gobind Singh to fight for the rights and freedom of those who have been victim of operession 140,000 sikhs lost their lives in two world wars and one of the main achievement of that was Freedom for French People and Govt.
That war was aught with full Sikh Regalia fully adorned by the Sikh Soldiers and their ancestors today are being denied the freedom of their rights what French who they are? If Sikhs can Sacrifice for protecting others rights and freedom they will not stop doing so for their own. All People of belief, Eauropean Govt. UN and the nations with some sense should put their pressure on the French Govt to have good sense and change these laws.
If necessary why not stop trading with French and bycott French Govt.

HPLuthera

It seems that the French forget that the world is diverse and Sikhism is not only a religion but a culture, Next they'll call for removal of religious symbols from buildings.

Sat Nam, everyone, and you are right- there has been talk there of removing all religious symbols from the schools and public buildings, especially the government buildings. What would be interesting is to see if they removed the gargoyles, symbols of an ancient cult, too. Yes, they are attempting to abolish all public showing of any religious affiliation at all by anyone, and if you examine the Lenin/Marx writings you will see why. Many political leaders of many nations are actually terrified of anyone having more allegience towards God, Guru, Yaweh, Allah, Shiva, Jesus, or Great Spirit-however you wish to relate to The Divine One-than to some political leader or political party.
Wahe Guru,
KulwantK