France bans headscarves in sports competitions
The French Senate has approved a bill banning headscarves in sports competitions, sparking strong reactions from the left. The proposal will now be debated in the National Assembly.
Headscarf Ban in Sports Approved by Senate
Tensions rose in France after the Senate passed a bill prohibiting headscarves in sports events. Left-wing senators condemned the measure, calling it an attempt to "stigmatize Muslim women." Green Party politician Yannick Jadot accused the center-right of being "obsessed with Islam."
Headscarves have long been at the center of France's secularism debates. In 2004, a law banning religious symbols in schools was enacted, followed by further proposals in 2021 restricting religious attire in public spaces. Now, a new restriction targets the sports world.
210 Senators Vote in Favor of the Ban
The French Senate approved the bill with 210 votes in favor and 81 against. The proposal, introduced by center-right Republican (LR) Senator Michel Savin, also bans collective prayers and religious symbols in public sports facilities.
"Secularism Is Being Used to Stigmatize Religion"
Debates in the Senate turned tense as left-wing and center-right lawmakers clashed over the issue.
Socialist Senator Sylvie Robert argued that the law specifically targets Muslim women, stating, "Secularism is being used to stigmatize religion."
Green Party’s Yannick Jadot also criticized the bill, claiming that "the center-right has made Islam an obsession."
The legislation will now be discussed in the lower house of Parliament, the National Assembly.
