French Senators Vote To Ban Hijab In Sports Competitions

The French Senate has voted in favour of banning the wearing of hijabs in sports competitions.

The vote happened late Tuesday as the French upper legislative house voted in favour of amending a proposed law stipulating that the wearing of religious symbols is prohibited to take part in events and competitions organised by sports federations.

In their text, the senators said; “The amendment aims at banning the wearing of the veil in sports competitions”.

It was also added that headscarves can put at risk the safety of athletes wearing them when they practise their discipline.

“Every citizen is free to exercise his or her religion, but one should refrain from putting forward their differences.”

“Today, there is legal uncertainty about the wearing of religious symbols, and it is necessary for the state to clearly define the rules.”

“If the wearing of the veil is not explicitly forbidden, we could see the emergence of community sports clubs promoting certain religious signs.”

The amendment was adopted with 160 votes in favour and 143 against. A commission is now to come together and find a compromise on the text before it is published. This means that the amendment can still be erased.

Already, the French football federation has banned women from wearing the hijab in official matches.