The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games dazzled with its grand display of glitter, parades, punctuated by typically French provocative performances that celebrate France’s unique grain de folie, inclusivity, and the rich tapestry of French society and culture. France is adept at promoting itself globally, constantly seeking to expand its international influence and prestige, a phenomenon referred to as le rayonnement de la France à l’étranger. Yet, behind this seemingly perfect display lies a more troubling reality. Visible French female Muslim athletes were prohibited from wearing their headscarves, casting a shadow over France’s attempt to portray itself as a diverse and inclusive nation.
It feels like déjà vu. This controversy traces back to the enduring tensions between France’s commitment to laïcité — France’s form secularism — and its Muslim population, often perceived as a threat to the nation’s Republican values and way of life. Time and again, across the political spectrum, French authorities have claimed that the hijab or Islamic headscarf symbolizes gender inequality, women’s oppression, and a threat to Republican ideals and therefore needs to be regulated. This stance has been institutionalized over the years through various legislative and administrative measures.
The principle of laïcité has been weaponized. The modern understanding of this multi-layered concept was born out of the 1905 Law on Separation of Church and State, originally intended to state neutrality and to protect individual freedom of religion and conscience. However, its implementation has increased in the past decades to target the visibility of French Muslims in public spaces, reflecting an institutionalized obsession with regulating Muslim women’s attire.
Since 1989, the hijab has been a contentious issue, initially focused on its presence in state schools. Over time, this focus extended to other public spaces, leading to a series of legislative measures aimed at regulating and often banning visible symbols of Islamic faith. Notably, the National Assembly adopted the controversial 2004 Law banning conspicuous religious signs in state schools. Although targeting all religious signs, the law was primarily aimed at the hijab. Similarly, in 2010, France adopted the Law banning the concealment of one’s face in public, specifically targeted the niqab, a full-face veil worn by a fringe minority of Muslim women. Additionally, various municipal bans on the burkini at public beaches and municipal swimming pools further illustrate this trend.
Laïcité has been stripped of its liberal essence and now curtails individual freedoms, particularly for Muslims. This trend is evident in the 2019 public backlash over the sale of sports hijabs by French sportswear retailer Décathlon, the Baby-Loup case where a nursery employee was dismissed for wearing a hijab, and the political controversy surrounding a veiled candidate in the 2010 regional elections. More recently, in its 2023 decision, the Council of State — France’s highest administrative supreme court — upheld the French Football Federation’s rule preventing players from wearing a hijab. These examples underscore the increasingly restrictive interpretation of laïcité and its effect on French popular opinion toward Muslims.
In banning the hijab, the French government has argued athletes selected to represent France at the Olympics are considered to be engaged in a public service mission, necessitating adherence to strict laïcité. This approach can be problematic as it overly broadens the concept of public service to include athletes, thereby imposing undue restrictions on their religious freedoms. The consequences of this ban for female Muslim athletes are significant. Many may be forced to choose between their religious beliefs and their participation in the Olympic Games, effectively excluding them from the competition. This not only undermines the principle of equal access to sports but also perpetuates the marginalization of visible Muslim women in French society. This ban could further entrench the lack of diversity in high-level sports competitions, undermining the Olympic principles of universality, solidarity, and unity on diversity. Yet, the position of the French government, articulated by Minister of Sports Amélie Oudéa-Castéra has remained firm despite critics from international bodies.
This institutionalized exclusion is also justified by an interpretation of feminism that positions the French state as the savior of Muslim women, framing the headscarf as a sign of extremism or subjugation. This perspective denies Muslim women’s freedom, portraying them either as victims needing rescue or as threats to social cohesion. The paradoxical nature of this stance becomes evident when considering the broader societal implications: while advocating for women’s emancipation, the state simultaneously restricts their freedom to choose their attire and express their identities. The 2024 report by Amnesty International, underscores the discriminatory nature of the hijab ban. The report details numerous instances where Muslim women and girls have been systematically excluded from participating in sports due to their choice to wear the hijab. Amnesty International also underlines the discriminatory nature of this ban and its devastating consequences on Muslim women.
The continued marginalization of the Muslim community and the erosion of individual freedoms in the name of laïcité have far-reaching implications for France’s future. By implementing this ban, the government risks further alienating a significant portion of the population. Further highlighting the double standards in France’s policies is the frequent accusation that Muslims do not integrate into French society. Yet, when Muslims, especially women, represent their country and participate in sports, they are often deemed a threat and rendered invisible. This paradox undermines the narrative of non-integration by illustrating that when Muslims do contribute to national pride through sports, their visibility is challenged by even more restrictive policies.
The world is watching closely to see whether France can uphold its commitment to the values of inclusivity and diversity that are at the heart of the Olympic spirit. The outcome of this debate will shape the legacy of the 2024 Paris Olympics and set the tone for the future of global sports.
Rim-Sarah Alouane is a Ph. D candidate in Comparative Law at the University Toulouse Capitole in France. Her research focuses on civil liberties, constitutional law and human rights across France, Europe and North America. Her work has been published by the Atlantic Council, the Brookings Institution, The New York Times and Foreign Policy magazine. She also regularly appears on TV and radio outlets worldwide, including NPR, Al Jazeera, BBC and France 24, to comment on current affairs in France & Europe. Follow her on LinkedIn
One Response
Brava! A well written and highly important analysis.