French lawmakers are currently debating a proposal to ban “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols in sports competitions.
The bill, which is supported by the conservative Les Républicains party, is set to be discussed on Tuesday and Wednesday. It would apply to competitions organized by official sports federations, professional leagues, and swimming pools.
Currently, federations have the discretion to decide the rules regarding religious symbols worn by athletes. While sports like football and rugby have banned religious attire, other sports such as athletics and handball have not implemented such restrictions.
The proposal was driven by concerns over what the report calls “growing attacks on secularism,” as well as rising fears about radicalization, communitarianism, and Islamist separatism within French sports. It suggests that banning religious attire, such as the sports hijab, would help prevent the creation of “counter-societies.”
The bill has sparked intense debate. While many conservative politicians in France support it, critics, including international human rights organizations, have condemned it. Many view the proposal as part of a wider “hijab ban,” arguing that it infringes on women’s rights to choose their clothing. Anna Błuś of Amnesty International, for example, criticized the bill as being rooted in Islamophobia and patriarchal control over Muslim women’s dress choices.
In addition, the proposed legislation follows France’s previous decision to ban athletes wearing religious symbols, including hijabs, at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This move triggered significant public backlash, including a dispute involving French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla, who was initially prohibited from attending the opening ceremony because of her hijab but later allowed to cover her hair with a cap instead.
