Banning Homework? What do you think?

France's President Francois Hollande recently announced he'd like to ban it in France.Why the ban? Hollande doesn't think it is fair that some kids have parents that help them with homework and others do not. Kids in France currently go to school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday(usually 8:30-4:30). President Hollande would like to add half day classes on Wednesday.  He'd require time at the end of the school day for students to do their homework assignments in school.What do you think of this idea?
Is homework of value? Do you assign it as reinforcement of the lesson, a preview of what the next lesson will be,or perhaps, as an exercise for the students to share what they did in school with their parents?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
http://www.gailhennessey.com