Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Macron Supports Olympic Ban on Religious Symbols in Competitions, Delegates Training Rules to Federations

The French president's endorsement of the Olympic Charter's restrictions intensifies debate as a proposed law banning religious signs in sports awaits National Assembly review.

Emmanuel Macron.
Image

Overview

  • President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his support for the Olympic Charter’s ban on religious symbols in sports competitions during a televised appearance on May 13.
  • Macron clarified that decisions regarding the wearing of religious signs in non-competitive sports settings, such as training, should be left to individual sports federations.
  • The proposed law banning ostentatious religious signs in professional and amateur sports, introduced by Senator Michel Savin, is set to be debated in the National Assembly after passing the Senate in February.
  • Weightlifting champion Sylvie Eberena, who competes wearing a hijab, publicly questioned the law's impact on inclusion and individual freedoms, directly addressing Macron during the broadcast.
  • The debate highlights broader tensions in France over secularism, individual rights, and the autonomy of sports federations, with prominent athletes like Teddy Riner voicing opposition to the measure.