A law banning Islamic headscarves in France's public schools was overwhelmingly adopted Wednesday in the Senate despite protests by Muslims around the world that the measure is discriminatory and anti Islamic move. The 276-20 vote mirrored similar support by the National Assembly, the lower chamber of parliament, which passed it 494-36 on Feb. 10. President Jacques Chirac must now formally sign it into law within 15 days. He had said such a law was needed to protect the French principle of secularism. The law forbids religious apparel and signs that "conspicuously show" a student's religious affiliation. While Jewish skullcaps and large Christian crosses would also be banned, authorities have made clear that it is aimed at removing Islamic headscarves from classrooms. The measure is to take effect with the start of the new school year in September. There are an estimated 5 million Muslims in mostly Roman Catholic France - the largest Muslim population in Western Europe. There was never any doubt the measure would be passed. The Senate, which like the lower house is controlled by conservatives such as Chirac, still had to dismiss 23 proposed amendments raised in two days of debate. The amendments were offered mainly by the left. The law is to be re-examined after a year in force to see whether "conspicuous" should be replaced by "visible." The opposition Socialists had argued during the lower house debate that "visible" is a less-ambiguous term that would make the law easier to apply. The proposal has triggered demonstrations from Muslims around the world. In a surprise visit to the Senate earlier in the day, Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said France needs to explain the law better, especially "on the international level." French missions abroad must "try to reassure those who are concerned," he said. Raffarin insisted the law was needed to contain the spread of Islam and ensure that the principle of secularism on which France is based remains intact. **PHOTO CAPTION*** French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin. (AFP/File/Gerard Cerles)