This decision has lit a flame under human rights organisations, who claim the ban contradicts France’s pledge to deliver the first gender-equal Games.
Despite growing campaigns and public appeals, the French government has stood firm on its decision to ban its athletes from wearing the hijab at the 2024 Paris Olympics. French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera announced this updated policy in April, which will take effect on July 26, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Olympics. This decision has sparked significant controversy and criticism from various human rights organizations, including Amnesty International. The ban is part of France’s broader secular policies, which prohibit the display of religious symbols in certain public spaces. Interestingly, this ban only applies to French athletes. The athletes from other countries are allowed to wear the hijab if they choose. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that there are no restrictions on wearing the hijab in the Olympic Village or for non-French athletes. Aussie boxier Tina Rahimi has smashed the Paris Olympics over a controversial ban that will stop French Muslim athletes from competing with their traditional headdress. This decision has lit a flame under human rights organisations, who claim the ban contradicts France’s pledge to deliver the first gender-equal Games. France has already lost athletes across all levels of sport due to the controversial policy. Rahimi, who will become the first Muslim boxer selected to represent Australia at the Olympics, joined the outcry against the ban this week. The 28-year-old, who will compete as part of a squad of 12 fighters in Paris, said the ban didn’t make sense.
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