Overview

• The French government has aligned behind a proposed law to ban religious symbols, including the Islamic veil, in sports competitions, despite internal divisions.
• Teddy Riner, a celebrated judoka, opposes the ban, advocating for equality and respect in sports while urging calm and non-political discourse.
• Prominent figures like Mahyar Monshipour and Bruno Retailleau criticize Riner’s stance, arguing that the veil symbolizes oppression and contradicts secular values.
• The law, passed by the Senate in February, awaits examination in the National Assembly, with no date set for the debate.
• The controversy highlights broader tensions in France over secularism, religious expression, and inclusivity in public life.