Amnesty International Urges France to Reject Sports Hijab Ban

Amnesty International is urging French lawmakers to reject a proposed bill that aims to ban headscarves and religious attire in all sporting competitions. The bill, supported by right-wing senators, will be debated this week in the upper house of the French parliament. It bans "ostensibly religious" clothing, sparking debate on France's secularism, known as "laïcité."

Amnesty International argues the bill discriminates against Muslim women and girls. The legislation requires coalition support in a divided lower house, despite possible endorsement by the upper house. Prominent sports, like soccer and rugby, already prohibit headscarves.

French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla was initially banned from the Paris Olympics due to her hijab. She was later allowed to participate with a cap. Anna Blus, from Amnesty, said, "At the Paris Olympics, France's ban on French women athletes who wear headscarves from competing at the Games drew international outrage." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)