French Senate Votes to Ban Hijab in Sports Competitions
The bill, introduced by the right-wing Les Républicains party, was passed in the Senate with a majority vote, according to French media outlets.
Critics contend that it disproportionately targets Muslim women and infringes upon personal freedoms.
Amnesty International has called for the rejection of the bill, stating that it "would violate human rights and disproportionately target Muslim women and girls." The organization emphasizes that such measures could further marginalize Muslim communities in France.
For the bill to become law, it must now pass through the National Assembly, where it will be debated and voted upon.
If approved, it will proceed to President Emmanuel Macron for final assent. There remains a possibility that the bill could be amended or rejected during these stages, especially given the diverse political composition of the National Assembly.
Read More:
France is home to Europe's largest Muslim population, with Muslims comprising approximately 10% of the French adult population as of 2023.
The nation has a history of implementing laws centered around secularism, including the 2004 ban on conspicuous religious symbols in public schools and the 2010 prohibition of face-covering veils in public spaces.
The bill comes as French authorities recently prohibited athletes from wearing the hijab during the Paris 2024 Olympics. This decision was met with criticism from various human rights organizations and sparked discussions about religious freedom and inclusion in sports.
Source: Agencies
