French Senate Bans Hijab in Sports, Athletes Rally for Muslim Women’s Inclusion

But alas, their call was not heard by the Senate, which on the same day voted an amendment that extends the ban on the hijab to all sports federations. This ban was previously limited to football.

For the signatories of the petition, this is a "discriminatory, exclusionary and totally contrary to the values of sport that we defend." And to add that "France could become one of the only countries in the world to prevent women who wear the veil from participating in sports competitions."

For her part, the Minister Delegate for Gender Equality, Elisabeth Moreno, stated that "the law says that these young girls can wear the veil and play football. On football pitches today, it is not forbidden to wear the veil. I want the law to be respected." Following these remarks, she was reframed by the government spokesperson.