Hijab ban on French Muslim women players in Paris Olympics upheld

(Hijab is the cloth used by Muslim women to cover their head and neck)

France’s anti-hijab law prevents French women players from wearing hijab while playing. (Credit – Unsplash)

Paris (France) – The hijab worn by Muslim women athletes in the ongoing Olympic games here has sparked a controversy. France’s anti-hijab law prevents French women players from wearing hijab while playing. Interestingly, Muslim women from other countries are wearing hijab while playing in the competition.

In 2017, the International Basketball Federation lifted the ban on playing with the hijab; but the French Basketball Federation refused to lift the hijab ban. Hijab is prohibited in France for players as well as coaches and referees.

In June, so-called human rights organisations such as ‘Human Rights Watch’ and ‘Amnesty International’ wrote to the International Olympic Committee, criticising France’s hijab ban and demanding intervention in the matter. The organisations wrote in the letter that the hijab ban imposed by the French sports authorities is discriminatory. The ban discriminates against hijab-wearing Muslim players and prohibits them from playing any sport which is their human right.

The French Basketball Federation has said that it (the hijab ban) reflects France’s policy of secularism. The French Government’s policy prohibits the wearing of religious clothing in public.

French woman basketball player Diaba Konate said, ‘The hijab ban is limiting our opportunities. Giving up hijab is not an option. I will never take off the hijab; because it has become a part of my life.’

Editorial Perspective

‘Secular’ India must learn from France, which even after facing opposition internationally, upheld its decision to ban the hijab.