Paris, France – French lawmakers are engaged in heated debates over a proposed bill that would ban “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols, including the hijab, in all sports competitions.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Michel Savin, applies to events organized by sports federations, professional leagues, and affiliated associations.
A vote is expected following the two-day debate, with the outcome still uncertain due to deep divisions among lawmakers.
Supporters of the bill argue that it strengthens France’s secular values and prevents potential “radicalization” in sports. They maintain that enforcing a strict separation between religion and public life is essential to upholding the principles of laïcité, France’s staunch commitment to secularism.
However, the proposal has faced sharp criticism from human rights organizations, particularly Amnesty International, which has condemned it as discriminatory.
Anna Błuś, Amnesty’s women’s rights researcher, stated that the measure disproportionately targets Muslim women and could severely restrict their participation in sports.
“Banning the hijab in sports is a clear violation of women’s rights and an exclusionary policy that undermines inclusion and diversity in athletics,” she said.
The bill extends beyond attire regulations, also seeking to prohibit prayers in sports facilities and mandate background checks for sports educators.
France is currently the only European country with a nationwide ban on religious headwear in sports.
Similar restrictions have drawn international scrutiny, with UN experts previously condemning them as “disproportionate and discriminatory.”
This is not the first time such a ban has been proposed. In 2022, a similar bill was introduced but was ultimately rejected by the Senate.
The renewed push for legislation has reignited debates over the balance between secularism and individual freedoms in France.
Critics warn that the proposed law could further marginalize Muslim women and limit their opportunities in professional and amateur sports.
French Muslim organizations and feminist groups have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the law infringes on personal freedoms and unfairly targets a specific demographic.
“This is not about neutrality; it is about exclusion,” said Mariam Pougetoux, a spokesperson for the French Muslim Students’ Association. The issue has also sparked debate within the French sports community.
Some athletes and federations have expressed concerns that the ban could prevent talented individuals from participating in competitions, potentially affecting the country’s athletic representation on the international stage.
Others argue that clear and uniform regulations are necessary to ensure adherence to secularism in all public spaces, including sports.
France has long enforced strict secular laws, with bans on religious symbols in public schools and government institutions.
However, attempts to extend such policies to sports have proven more contentious, especially given the global nature of athletic competitions.
With a final vote approaching, the future of the proposed ban remains uncertain. If passed, the law could set a precedent for further restrictions on religious expression in France.
Meanwhile, human rights advocates continue to push for its rejection, warning of its potential consequences for religious minorities and the broader principles of inclusivity in sports.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
