The French authorities are tussling with a delicate situation as the Paris Olympics opening ceremony approaches. Muslim sprinter Sounkamba Sylla has been barred from participating in the opening ceremony due to her wearing a hijab.
The 26-year-old Sylla’s exclusion has sparked controversy, highlighting the tension between the country’s strict secular laws and its diverse population. The hijab, often seen as a symbol of religious identity, is prohibited in public schools and government buildings under France’s secularism principles.
The French stance was also criticised by the UN, which said “No one should impose on a woman what she needs to wear, or not wear”.
No Hijab for French Athletes at Paris Olympics
A few months ago, the French Sports Minister introduced a rule prohibiting French athletes from wearing a hijab at any competition, including the Paris Olympics.
According to media reports, French athletes may swap their hijab for a cap to avoid the ban at the opening ceremony.
Seeking a solution
Despite these challenges, the French government and Olympic officials are actively seeking a compromise. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera has emphasised the importance of adhering to secularism while also finding a way to accommodate Sylla. “Our citizens expect us to follow these principles of secularism, but we also need to be inventive about solutions to make everyone feel included,” Oudéa-Castera said. However, the nature of this solution remains unclear.
David Lappartient, President of the French Olympic Committee, stated that the French Olympic team was “taking part in a public service mission and, in this respect, is obliged to observe secularism.”
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