AP PHOTOS: A new bill banning headscarves could keep athletes off the court

hace 1 mes 11

By THOMAS PADILLA

Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year]

PARIS (AP) — Thousands of young Muslim women in France are sidelined from competitive sport because of rules in several disciplines including basketball that ban uniforms and other clothing carrying a religious or political significance. Critics of the rules say they disproportionately target hijab-wearing Muslim athletes. Now, a contentious bill backed by right-wing politicians that would ban headscarves in all sporting competitions has cleared its first legislative hurdle in the Senate.

Players, some wearing headscarves, huddle during competition in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Players react during a basketball game in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Former player Salimata Sylla welcomes players before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Former player Salimata Sylla poses for a photo before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

A player wearing a headscarf warms-up before a basketball game, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

A player wearing a headscarf warmup before a competition, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Access only to users wearing sportswear. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Players wearing headscarves train before a competition, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Board reads: Access only to users wearing sportswear. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

A player wearing a headscarf warms-up before a basketball game in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

A player wearing a headscarf warms-up before a basketball game, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Former player Salimata Sylla prepares the players’ jerseys before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

Players prepare before a women’s basketball tournament where players can wear a headscarf, in Aubervilliers near Paris, Sunday, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

___

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Leer artículo completo