Overview

• French lawmakers are debating a bill that would prohibit all 'ostensibly religious' clothing, including headscarves, in sporting competitions.
• The bill, supported by right-wing senators, builds on existing bans in soccer and rugby and aims to enforce a principle of religious neutrality in sports.
• Amnesty International has condemned the proposal, arguing it targets Muslim women and infringes on their religious freedoms.
• The debate has reignited discussions about France's strict secularism laws, which critics say have been used to marginalize Muslim women in public spaces.
• The bill's future remains uncertain, as it faces a lengthy legislative process and potential challenges in the deeply divided lower house of parliament.