Macron defends hijab ban in sports, fueling Islamophobia concerns
Proposed hijab ban in French sports draws criticism for fueling Islamophobia and restricting Muslim athletes’ rights
PARIS (MNTV) – French President Emmanuel Macron has endorsed a proposed law to ban religious symbols, including the hijab, during sports competitions.
Justifying his stance in a televised interview on TF1 Info, Macron referenced the Olympic Charter’s call for political and religious neutrality, framing the ban as a move to ensure “equality between men and women.”
While supporting pragmatism in training settings, Macron emphasized a stricter policy for official matches.
The legislation, spearheaded by Senator Michel Savin, seeks to replace the current fragmented system, where individual sports federations decide on hijab policies.
Currently, sports like football and basketball ban the hijab, while others, such as athletics, allow it.
Advocates of the bill argue that standardized rules will eliminate confusion and reinforce secularism, while Islamophobia experts warn it unfairly targets Muslim women.
Muslim athletes and human rights organizations like Amnesty International have raised alarms over the proposed law.
Sylvie Eberana, a national amateur weightlifting champion, fears it could end her competitive career.
Her concerns resonate with hijab-wearing athletes across France.
Amnesty International and UN experts have labeled the ban as “disproportionate and discriminatory,” arguing that it perpetuates Islamophobia and disproportionately impacts Muslim women.
Judo legend Teddy Riner dismissed the hijab debate as “a waste of time” and urged a focus on inclusion and real equality.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has defended the ban, claiming it preserves the sanctity of sports from religious influence.
The proposed ban highlights a broader pattern of Islamophobia in France, where strict secularism often restricts public expressions of Muslim identity.
If passed, the law would extend France’s secularist policies to domestic competitions, potentially forcing Muslim athletes to choose between their faith and sports.
Rights groups and global observers are closely monitoring the bill’s progress.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
