French Senate discusses ban on hijab

Human rights group Amnesty International has said French lawmakers must reject a discriminatory bill that would ban the wearing of clothing and symbols that are "perceived to be religious" during all French sporting events.

The Amnesty International statement was released yesterday before the start of the French Senate debate on the merits of a Muslim woman's modest dress, the Hijab, and even prostrating to thank Allah after scoring a goal. 

The ban, which will apply to competitions organized by sports federations, affiliated organizations, professional leagues and affiliated associations as well as swimming pools, began to be discussed yesterday and the debate continues today before a vote is taken by members of parliament.

The representatives who proposed the bill for the ban want to implement a ban on religious symbols in the sports sector, claiming to protect the secularism of the state, in a measure similar to the ban on the hijab used in French schools against Muslims. The proposal is expected to spark a major controversy in the country with the largest Muslim community in Europe.

Anna Błuś, Amnesty International's Gender Rights Researcher in Europe, said: "At the Paris Olympics, France's ban on female French athletes wearing the hijab from competing in the Games sparked international outrage. Just six months later, the French authorities are not only doubling down on their discriminatory ban on the hijab but are also trying to extend it to all sports."

October 2024, UN experts condemned the ban, calling it "disproportionate and discriminatory" and called for its repeal. The French Senate's ban means that Muslim athletes will not be allowed to prostrate after scoring goals, nor will they be allowed to break their fast on the field during the month of Ramadan, as was previously the case.

The bill also proposes to ban the presence of worship and prayer centers in sports fields or the wearing of religious clothing in public swimming pools.

This proposal was presented to the Committee on Culture, Education, Communication and Sports by Michel Savin and other MPs from the Republican camp, which holds the majority of seats in the French Senate.