Thousands of young Muslim women in France are side-lined from competitive sport because of rules in several disciplines, including basketball, that ban kits and clothing carrying a religious or political significance - rules critics say 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.
Bill that would ban headscarves in all sporting competitions in France reignites secularism debate
Thousands of young Muslim women in France are side-lined from competitive sport because of rules in several disciplines, including basketball, that ban kits and clothing carrying a religious or political significance - rules critics say 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.