Amnesty International is urging French lawmakers to reject a bill this week that would ban headscarves in all sporting competitions. The bill, backed by right-wing senators, aims to ban all 'ostensibly religious' clothing and symbols during competitions, a move deemed discriminatory by Amnesty International.
The debate on secularism in France, more than a century after the 1905 law on separation of church and state, remains volatile. Until now, sporting federations have had the autonomy to decide on headscarf regulations, with soccer and rugby already opting to ban them.
The bill is in its early stages, with a vote scheduled in the upper house of parliament this week. The outcome remains uncertain, as the lower house has the final say, requiring a coalition of forces that don't typically collaborate.
Amnesty International's concerns were raised following an incident involving French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla, who was initially barred from the Paris Olympics opening ceremony due to wearing a hijab. France enforces a strict principle of 'laïcité,' or secularism, which extends to Olympic athletes.
The bill, if passed, would exclude Muslim women and girls from sporting competitions if they wear religious clothing, targeting them specifically. The group argues that 'laïcité' has been misused to restrict Muslim women's access to public spaces in France.
Supporters of the bill emphasize the need to protect sports from non-sporting confrontations, citing attacks on secularism in sport. They argue that a principle of neutrality is essential to prevent political, religious, or racial demonstrations in sports settings.
The bill also prohibits the use of sports facilities for worship and bans religious clothing, such as the burkini, in public swimming pools. Amnesty International warns that passing this legislation would fuel racism and intensify hostility towards Muslims in France.
