France's lower house of parliament has taken a significant step towards passing a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on hair texture, length, color, or style. The bill aims to offer support to individuals, particularly Black people, who have experienced prejudice in various settings, including the workplace, due to their hair.
The proposed legislation, which received overwhelming support in a recent vote in the National Assembly, is now set to be reviewed by the Senate. If enacted, it would make France the first country globally to formally recognize and address discrimination related to hair at a national level.
The bill, introduced by a lawmaker from Guadeloupe, seeks to amend existing anti-discrimination laws to explicitly forbid bias against individuals with curly, coiled, or other non-traditional hairstyles, as well as bald individuals. While the primary focus is on combatting hair-based discrimination, the bill does not specifically target race-based bias.
Supporters of the bill argue that people who do not conform to Eurocentric beauty standards often face stereotypes and bias. The legislation has garnered backing from leftist parties and members of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party, enabling its passage in the National Assembly.
However, the bill is expected to encounter resistance in the Senate, particularly from right-wing and far-right lawmakers who view it as an attempt to import American concepts of race and discrimination into French law.
In the United States, several states have already implemented similar laws, such as the CROWN Act, to address race-based hair discrimination. The French bill's proponents point to cases like that of a Black flight attendant who successfully sued an airline after being forced to alter his hairstyle, highlighting the need for explicit legal protections.
Despite opposition from some quarters, advocates of the bill emphasize its importance in empowering individuals to embrace their natural hair and combat discriminatory practices. The legislation is seen as a step towards fostering inclusivity and diversity in French society.
For many, the bill represents a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for acceptance and recognition of diverse hair textures and styles. It is hoped that future generations, including children like Vallois' daughter, will grow up in a society that celebrates individuality and does not stigmatize differences.
As the debate continues in France, the bill's supporters remain optimistic that it will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where individuals are free to express themselves authentically without fear of discrimination.
