AP PHOTOS: A new bill banning headscarves could keep athletes off the court
Former player Salimata Sylla poses before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
PARIS (AP) — Thousands of young Muslim women in France are sidelined from competitive sport because of rules in several disciplines including basketball that ban uniforms and other clothing carrying a religious or political significance. Critics of the rules say they disproportionately target hijab-wearing Muslim athletes. Now, a contentious bill backed by right-wing politicians that would ban headscarves in all sporting competitions has cleared its first legislative hurdle in the Senate.
___
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Former player Salimata Sylla welcomes players before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Former player Salimata Sylla welcomes players before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Players wearing headscarves train before a competition, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Board reads: Access only to users wearing sportswear. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Players wearing headscarves train before a competition, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Board reads: Access only to users wearing sportswear. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Former player Salimata Sylla prepares the players’ jerseys before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Former player Salimata Sylla prepares the players’ jerseys before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Players prepare before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Players prepare before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Former player Salimata Sylla poses for a photo before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
Former player Salimata Sylla poses for a photo before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)