French lawmakers debate ban on 'ostensibly' religious clothing in sports competitions

French lawmakers are debating a ban on “ostensibly religious” clothing and symbols in French sporting competitions.

The proposal — backed by the conservative Les Républicains party and to be discussed on Tuesday and Wednesday — would apply to competitions organised by official sports federations and other bodies, including professional leagues and swimming pools.

Until now, federations have had free rein on rules regarding any overtly religious symbols worn by competitors in their disciplines. While the French football and rugby federations have implemented bans on religious signs and clothing, other associations, such as those governing athletics and handball, have not.

“There is a desire to create a community withdrawal by mixing sport and religious practice, which in my opinion is contrary to the practice of sport”, said Michel Savin, the Les Républicains MP who launched the legal proposal.

The proposed bill would also deny access to any part of a sports facility for prayer, stating the practice "would constitute a misuse of its purpose.”

According to an accompanying report, “growing attacks on secularism” and the need to address reports of “radicalisation”, “communitarianism” and “Islamist separatism” in French sports prompted the bill.

The report also states that banning clothing such as sports hijabs would prevent the formation of “counter-societies”. 

Secularism — known as laïcité in French — is a key part of the country's political fabric but also a source of tension with some parts of the Muslim community.

While the proposal has been welcomed by many French conservative politicians, it has also received international condemnation from figures on the left, as well as human rights groups. Many critics have labelled