Amnesty International has issued a report warning that the law banning religious attire in sports competitions in France is a violation of human rights and specifically targets Muslim women.
This ban was proposed following the hijab controversy at the 2024 Olympics and could have a profound impact on French Muslim women. A debate and vote on the matter are expected in the Senate on February 18 and 19.
According to Amnesty International, this law will negatively affect women’s participation in sports and will lead to the restriction of Muslims’ rights. If the law is approved, France will be the only European country to impose a ban on religious attire, including the hijab, in sports.
Research indicates that such laws can lead to a decrease in the confidence of Muslim women, deprivation of social opportunities, and psychological issues. Amnesty International has called on the French government to reject this ban and to grant women the freedom to choose their attire.
The report also pointed out that the principle of separation between religion and state is being misused to control the attire of Muslim women, which constitutes a prejudiced attack on their identity.
