The French Senate has passed a bill banning “conspicuous religious symbols,” including the hijab, during sports competitions.
Introduced by the right-wing Les Républicains party, the bill was approved by a majority vote on Tuesday, as reported by local media.
Critics argue that the legislation disproportionately targets Muslim women, restricting their participation in sports and undermining personal freedoms. Amnesty International has criticized the bill, calling it a “violation of human rights” that unfairly impacts Muslim women and girls.
The organization warns that such measures could further marginalize France’s Muslim community.
For the bill to become law, it must now pass through the National Assembly, where it could face amendments or rejection due to the assembly’s diverse political composition. If approved, it will move to President Emmanuel Macron for final approval.
France, home to Europe’s largest Muslim population, has a history of enforcing strict secularism laws. Previous measures include the 2004 ban on religious symbols in public schools and the 2010 prohibition of face-covering veils in public spaces.
The bill follows France’s recent decision to bar athletes from wearing the hijab during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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