French Government Divided Over Proposed Hijab Ban in Sports

Prime Minister François Bayrou calls for unity as Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin threatens resignation over internal disagreements on secularism policy.

Prime Minister François Bayrou convened a meeting with key ministers to address internal conflicts regarding the proposed hijab ban in sports competitions.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has threatened to resign if the government does not fully support the ban, citing concerns about Islamist influence.
Sports Minister Marie Barsacq and Education Minister Elisabeth Borne have expressed reservations, warning against conflating the hijab with radicalization and advocating for decisions by sports federations.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau strongly supports the ban, framing it as essential to upholding secularism and combating Islamist 'entrisme' in sports.
The government officially backs the Senate's February proposal to prohibit religious symbols in sports, but internal divisions highlight broader tensions over secularism in French public life.