French Government Divided Over Hijab Ban in Sports

The Senate's recent law banning religious symbols in sports has intensified political divisions, with key ministers and Édouard Philippe taking opposing stances.

The French Senate has passed a law prohibiting religious symbols in sports competitions, indirectly targeting the hijab.
Prime Minister François Bayrou has stepped in to mediate escalating disagreements between ministers on the issue.
Édouard Philippe opposes a total ban on the hijab, arguing it contradicts the principles of French secularism (laïcité).
Critics warn that inconsistent rules across sports federations create confusion and raise concerns about religious neutrality.
Political factions are leveraging the hijab debate for electoral gains, further polarizing the national conversation on secularism and integration.