France: Hijab bans in French sport expose discriminatory double standards ahead of Olympic and Paralympic Games
What did Amnesty International report reveal about hijab bans in French sports?
- The ban on French women athletes who wear headscarves at the Olympic Games violates human rights laws.
- The ban exposes the discriminatory nature of French authorities and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
- Anna Błuś from Amnesty International emphasizes the impact of hijab bans on Muslim women and girls’ participation in sports.
Why are hijab bans a violation of human rights for Muslim women and girls in France?
Hijab bans in sports in France breach international human rights treaties and block efforts for inclusivity in sports. Discriminatory rules policing what women wear hinder participation and access to sports.
What is the response of the IOC to calls for lifting hijab bans in French sports?
- The IOC dismissed calls to lift hijab bans, stating that it falls outside their remit and citing differing interpretations of religious freedom.
- France’s bans on sports headgear contradict rules of international sports bodies like FIFA, FIBA, and FIVB.
- The ban has led to exclusion and humiliation for many Muslim women and girls in sports in France.
Why is it crucial to overturn all bans on athletes wearing the hijab in French sports?
According to Anna Błuś, no woman should have to choose between the sport she loves and her faith. Neutrality or secularism are not justifications for imposing restrictions on freedom of expression and religion.
It’s essential for the French authorities, sports federations, and the IOC to ensure inclusivity in sports by lifting all bans on athletes wearing the hijab in French sports.
Source: www.amnesty.org