French bill would ban headscarves in sport; Amnesty International says it’s discriminatory

A controversial bill to ban all “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols, including headscarves, during sporting competitions is set to be debated in the upper house of the French parliament this week. Amnesty International is urging French lawmakers to reject the bill, arguing that it would be discriminatory and infringe on religious freedom.

The bill, backed by right-wing senators, aims to prohibit any form of religious attire or symbols during competitions. This move has sparked a debate on secularism in France, a principle enshrined in the country’s constitution more than a century ago. Until now, sporting federations have had the autonomy to decide whether or not to allow headscarves, with some major sports like soccer and rugby choosing to ban them.

The outcome of the bill remains uncertain, as it would need to pass through the lower house of parliament after the upper house. This would require a coalition of forces that do not typically collaborate, making the bill’s future unclear.

Amnesty International’s opposition to the bill comes in response to incidents like French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla being barred from the Paris Olympics opening ceremony last summer for wearing a hijab. This incident, along with previous bans on religious symbols in sports, has drawn international criticism.

The bill’s proponents argue that it is necessary to uphold the principle of secularism in sports and prevent any non-sporting confrontations. They believe that a neutral sporting environment should be maintained, free from political, religious, or racial demonstrations.

In addition to banning religious clothing during competitions, the bill also prohibits the use of sports facilities for religious purposes and the wearing of religious attire like the burkini in public swimming pools. Critics of the bill argue that it would further marginalize Muslim women and girls by excluding them from sporting events based on their religious attire.

If passed, the bill could exacerbate tensions and discrimination against Muslims in France, according to Amnesty International. The organization warns that framing the wearing of a headscarf as an attack on secularism could fuel racism and hostility towards Muslims in the country.

The debate over the bill highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing religious freedom, secularism, and inclusivity in French society. It remains to be seen how lawmakers will navigate these complex issues and whether the bill will ultimately become law.