France’s proposed sports headscarf ban sparks outcry

Proposed headscarf ban in sports sparks backlash from Muslim women’s rights advocates

PARIS, France (MNTV) — A proposed bill in France that seeks to extend the ban on religious symbols, including headscarves, to sports competitions has drawn sharp criticism from advocates for Muslim women’s rights.

The bill, backed by the French Senate, aims to expand an existing ban on religious symbols — previously applied to public schools and government buildings — to all levels of sports. 

The legislation also seeks to prohibit collective prayers in publicly funded sports facilities. It will now head to the lower house of parliament for a vote.

Rani Belkhy, a prominent French Muslim activist, argues the move is part of a broader effort to “erase Muslim women from public spaces.” 

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, she said, “In sports and all spaces where visibly Muslim women can be seen, there is an attempt to make them disappear.”

Belkhy criticized the policy for infringing on individual freedoms and discouraging young Muslim women from engaging in sports. 

“It’s no longer just about athletes representing the nation. Now, it’s even affecting amateurs,” she said.

As France prepares to host the 2024 Olympic Games, the policy has drawn international scrutiny. 

“France has ridiculed itself globally as the only country banning Muslim women from wearing headscarves,” Belkhy said, noting that such laws often result in targeting young female students.

Critics argue the policy reflects a double standard, as Christian crosses and Jewish kippahs remain largely unaffected. 

“Each new law makes Muslim women’s bodies a subject of debate and restriction,” Belkhy added.

A similar attempt to ban headscarves in sports was rejected by the Senate in 2022, but the current proposal has reignited debate.

Muslim women’s rights advocates are calling on policymakers to reconsider the bill, warning it risks further marginalizing an already underrepresented group in French society.