At Nordic Right, we are committed to advocating for and upholding human rights across the Nordic Region and beyond. We believe in the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination. Today, we express our deep concern and condemnation of the discriminatory practices against Muslim women in the realm of French basketball, as highlighted by Amnesty International.
Amnesty International, in anticipation of the Annual General Assembly of the French Basketball Federation (FFBB), calls on the FFBB and the French Ministry of Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure that the regulations pertaining to the wearing of sports head coverings do not discriminate against and violate the rights of Muslim women players who choose to wear religious headgear.
Amnesty International’s Women’s Rights Researcher in Europe, Anna Blus, rightly points out, “Excluding Muslim women basketball players who wear religious headgear from competitive matches is not only discriminatory and a violation of their rights to freedom of expression, health, private life, and religion, but it also contradicts the duty to ensure that basketball is accessible to all sportswomen.”
Nordic Rights stands in solidarity with Amnesty International’s call for the FFBB and French authorities to use the General Assembly as an opportunity to reevaluate their existing rules, ensuring they protect human rights rather than infringe upon them. We firmly believe that sports should be a platform for inclusivity, unity, and mutual respect, transcending cultural and religious differences.
The FFBB’s introduction of article 9.3 to the General Sports Regulations in December 2022, which expressly bans “the wearing of any equipment with a religious or political connotation in competitions,” is deeply concerning. Non-compliance with this rule could result in disciplinary proceedings for the player and those who allow the progress of the competition.
Nordic Rights, as a human rights organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and non-discrimination, calls upon the FFBB to reconsider these rules, taking into account the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds of their players. Discrimination in any form has no place in the realm of sports, and it is essential that the FFBB upholds the values of equality and human rights.
We also urge the French Ministry of Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure that the regulations surrounding sports head coverings are inclusive and respectful of every individual’s right to express their religious beliefs without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
Nordic Rights joins Amnesty International in denouncing harmful discourse and negative stereotypes that fuel Islamophobia within sports. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every athlete, regardless of their background, can participate in sports without facing discrimination or bias.
In conclusion, we stand united with Amnesty International, advocating for the protection of human rights and the promotion of inclusivity in sports. It is our hope that the FFBB and French authorities will heed these calls and take the necessary steps to ensure that the rights and dignity of all athletes are respected, fostering a fair and inclusive sporting environment for everyone.
