Anna Błuś is Amnesty International’s Researcher on Gender Justice in Europe. Excitement is mounting ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, but in a country which proclaims its devotion to “égalité”, Muslim women athletes are being left out and discriminated against – simply because they refuse to give up their right to wear what they want.
Why are Muslim Women Athletes Facing Discrimination in France?
- France’s Minister for Sport announced that no female athlete representing the country will be allowed to compete if she wears religious headgear.
- Even at amateur levels, sports federations in France have banned sports hijabs, preventing Muslim women from participating in their sport.
- This discrimination perpetuates systemic racism and gender-based violence against Muslim women athletes.
What Challenges do Muslim Women Athletes in France Face?
- Being asked to remove religious clothing to participate in sports is a form of violence against Muslim women athletes.
- A collective of hijab-wearing football players challenged the ban on religious clothing in sports in French courts and the European Court of Human Rights.
- France is the only country in Europe banning religious headwear in sports like women’s football, basketball, and volleyball.
Why are Hijab Bans in Sports a Human Rights Issue?
- Discriminatory hijab bans violate the human rights of Muslim women, including their right to freedom of expression, equality, and bodily autonomy.
- These bans impact the mental health, cultural participation, and decision-making autonomy of Muslim women athletes.
- Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Amnesty International is calling for an end to these discriminatory bans and urges everyone to support Muslim women athletes in France.
Find out more: Amnesty International
Source: www.amnesty.org