Government Supports Proposed Ban on Religious Symbols in Amateur Sports, Stirring Controversy
In a significant shift in policy, the French government on Tuesday publicly endorsed a proposed law to prohibit the wearing of religious symbols, including the hijab, in all levels of amateur sports competitions. This move has sparked intense debate and criticism from the left.
A Divisive Issue Resurfaces
The issue of religious symbols in sports has been a contentious one in France for many years. Some sports federations, such as soccer, have banned the hijab, while others, such as handball, have allowed it. Previous governments have generally avoided taking a stance, opting instead to postpone similar initiatives proposed by the right-wing Senate.
However, a shift occurred on Tuesday when the government expressed strong support for a bill put forward by Michel Savin, a right-wing senator from Isère. The bill seeks to amend the Sports Code to prohibit "any sign or clothing that conspicuously demonstrates a political or religious affiliation" in all departmental, regional, and national competitions organized by sports federations that receive public funding.
Government Justification and Opposition Criticism
Minister François-Noël Buffet, also from the right-wing Les Républicains (LR) party, hailed the proposed law as a "welcome cornerstone" in the fight against separatism. He emphasized the need to protect sports as a neutral space where republican values take precedence over religious laws.
Political divisions were evident during the Senate debate, with many left-wing senators expressing vehement opposition. They raised concerns about the infringement on the 1905 law on secularism and the stigmatization of Muslim women in sports. Patrick Kanner, president of the Socialist Party senators, accused the right-wing senators of using the principle of secularism to justify their "anti-Muslim narrative" and fuel stereotypes.
Mathilde Ollivier, an ecologist senator, accused the right of targeting Muslim women for exclusion from sports. She argued that the choice should not be between wearing the hijab and participating in sports.
Ban Extended to National Teams and Other Controversial Measures
An amendment approved by the Senate also extended the ban to athletes selected for the national team. Additionally, the bill includes other contentious provisions:
- Banning the use of public sports facilities for religious worship, such as prayer rooms.
- Requiring swimming pool regulations to prohibit clothing that violates the principles of neutrality and secularism, targeting the burkini swimsuit worn by some Muslim women.
The proposed law, which will now be transmitted to the National Assembly, has drawn criticism for its potential to marginalize Muslim women in sports and its broader implications for religious freedom in France.
