Joseph Isangura
A proposed law in France seeking to ban hijabs in sports competitions has sparked strong opposition from the Muslim Students of France (EMF), who have condemned the move as discriminatory and a violation of fundamental rights.
In a statement posted on their official social media platforms, EMF criticized the proposed legislation, arguing that it unfairly targets Muslim women and restricts their right to participate in public spaces. According to the group, the ban is based on prejudiced assumptions that fuel Islamophobia and deepen social divisions.
“This law is not about neutrality; it is about exclusion,” the statement read. “It creates an artificial problem around Islam and Muslim women, reinforcing negative stereotypes instead of promoting unity.”
The debate over religious attire in France is not new. The country has long upheld strict secular policies, leading to previous bans on religious symbols in public schools and, more recently, the prohibition of abayas in classrooms. Supporters of the new ban argue that it aligns with France’s commitment to secularism and ensures neutrality in public institutions, including sports.
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However, critics insist that such policies disproportionately affect Muslim women and limit their personal freedoms.
Human rights organizations have also spoken out against the proposed hijab ban. Amnesty International has urged lawmakers to reject the bill, warning that it would violate international human rights standards and further marginalize Muslim women. The organization emphasized that sports should be inclusive, not a tool for exclusion.
Beyond legal concerns, many young Muslim women fear the impact this law could have on their daily lives. “Sports is supposed to bring people together, but this would push us away,” said one student who wears the hijab. “I just want to compete like everyone else without being judged for my faith.”
