Amnesty International on Tuesday criticized a proposed French bill that seeks to ban “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols in all sports competitions, arguing it would violate human rights and disproportionately target Muslim women and girls. The French Senate is set to debate and vote on the bill, which would extend existing restrictions to all sports federations, professional leagues, and affiliated associations.

The organization contends that, under the guise of secularism, such laws effectively marginalize Muslim women and girls by excluding them from participating in sports if they choose to wear the hijab or other religious attire. This move follows France’s previous ban on headscarves for its athletes during the Paris 2024 Olympics, a decision that drew international criticism.

Critics argue that there is no objective justification for policies that severely limit the freedoms of Muslim female athletes who choose to wear religious headgear. Amnesty International has previously warned that the proposed ban follows a broader pattern of systemic discrimination against Muslim women in France.

In a 2024 report titled “France: Systematic Discrimination and Restrictions on Muslim Women and Girls,” Amnesty International documented how existing restrictions on religious attire in schools, workplaces, and public spaces disproportionately impact Muslim women and girls, limiting their rights and deepening social exclusion. The report criticized France’s policies as discriminatory and inconsistent with international human rights obligations. Amnesty argues that the latest attempt to extend these restrictions to all sports only reinforces this pattern, further marginalizing Muslim women under the guise of secularism.

Amnesty International calls on French lawmakers to reject the bill, asserting that it perpetuates discrimination and undermines the principles of inclusivity and equality in sports.