French lawmakers face mounting pressure as Amnesty International condemns a proposed bill banning religious clothing in sports competitions. The legislation – backed by right-wing senators and debated this week – targets headscarves and other ostensibly religious symbols during events.
This move reignites France’s volatile secularism debate, rooted in its 1905 church-state separation law. While sporting federations currently set their own rules, soccer and rugby already prohibit head coverings. Amnesty warns the bill would systematically exclude Muslim women from athletics under the guise of neutrality.
Laïcité should protect religious freedom, not strip Muslim women of their right to participate,Amnesty researcher Anna Błuś stated.
The proposal follows recent controversies:
- Olympic sprinter Sounkamba Sylla nearly barred from Paris Games over her hijab
- UN Human Rights Council criticism of French soccer’s hijab ban
- Public pool restrictions on burkinis
Legal experts highlight contradictions – France’s constitutional council upheld soccer’s headscarf ban despite free speech concerns. Supporters argue neutrality preserves sporting universality and prevents political/religious clashes. However, critics counter that the legislation:
- Focuses disproportionately on Islamic attire
- Creates barriers for athletes observing Ramadan
- Reinforces anti-Muslim sentiment in public spaces
With the lower house divided on the bill’s fate, Amnesty warns passage could normalize discrimination beyond sports. As France grapples with its secular identity, Muslim athletes await decisions impacting their ability to compete equally.
