French Senate Advances Bill to Ban Religious Symbols in Sports Competitions

The proposed law, supported by the government, seeks to enforce laïcité by prohibiting visible religious and political symbols in sports, sparking significant political and social debate.

• The French Senate has voted 210 to 81 in favor of a bill prohibiting visible religious and political symbols, including hijabs, in all levels of sports competitions organized by public service-affiliated federations.
• The proposal, introduced by Senator Michel Savin, also bans the use of public sports facilities for religious practices and imposes stricter neutrality rules in public swimming pools, targeting attire like the burkini.
• Supporters of the bill argue it reinforces the principle of laïcité and protects sports as a neutral space, while critics contend it unfairly targets Muslim women and undermines inclusivity in sports.
• The legislation has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and international bodies, including the UN, which have labeled such measures discriminatory and contrary to international conventions on freedom of religion.
• The bill now moves to the National Assembly for further debate, as tensions remain high over its potential social and cultural ramifications in France and abroad.

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