France accused of 'racist discrimination' over Olympic hijab ban

France is under fire for barring its athletes from wearing hijabs at the upcoming Paris Olympics, a move critics call 'racist gender discrimination'. The controversy adds to existing issues surrounding the games, such as the water quality of the River Seine and debates over the participation of Russia and Israel.

Despite the International Olympic Committee's stance that athletes can wear the hijab, France has imposed its own ban on its athletes competing in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With the Olympics set to begin on July 26, France shows no signs of reversing its policy, despite mounting criticism.

Basketball player Hélène Bâ, co-founder of Basket pour Toutes, condemned the ban as a “shameful moment” for France, stating, “It is a clear violation of the Olympic charter, values and provisions, and an infringement on our fundamental rights and freedoms.”

A report from Amnesty International highlights the negative impact of the restriction on Muslim women and girls in French sports. Anna Blus, Amnesty’s women’s rights researcher in Europe, criticized the ban, calling it a mockery of the claim that Paris 2024 is the first "Gender Equal Olympics."

France's policies on the hijab are complex. While hijabs are not banned in public spaces, the country prohibits face-covering headgear and recently banned public school students from wearing the abaya.

French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera defended the ban, citing France’s strict separation of religion and state, which demands absolute neutrality in public services. This prohibition extends to various sports, including football, basketball, and volleyball.

Amnesty International and other rights groups have appealed to the IOC to overturn the ban, but the committee stated it is beyond their remit.

The controversy comes amid other issues for the Paris Olympics, including unsafe levels of E.Coli in the River Seine and the displacement of hundreds of homeless people from the city.

[Source: Metro.co.uk]