On February 18, the Senate largely adopted a bill to prohibit the veil in all sports competitions, including at amateur level, France becoming the only country in the world to want to adopt such a measure. In Marseille, the Basketballkers of Marseille Panthers and Balle in hand want to continue playing sports. This weekend of February 22, they organized a tournament for all women.
Of our correspondent in Marseille,
In this gymnasium in the northern districts of Marseille, around thirty basketball players warm up. The organizers are worried, due to a possible new law on wearing the veil in sport. “” We don’t know at all how it will happen, deplores Nadji Nehari, the founder of the Marseille Panthers club. We will keep our motivation to try to open the doors the maximum to all girls and see what solutions we can find, precisely so that they continue to practice a sporting activity, because it is important for us. »»
In the gymnasium, Alicia, 21, and Youmna, 16, are waiting for their turn to play. They both wear the veil. “” I started basketball very young, at the age of five, testifies Alicia. I felt rejected because I was excluded from the championship, I played in a club. I lived it badly and stopped basketball. There are men who wear head covers sometimes and they have the right to play. But women, when we wear head covers, we start to see, to put ourselves aside, etc. So, I don’t really know if it is religion or because we are women. »»
His friend Youmna shares her opinion: “” You can’t even hope to play sports, even just with a veil. I have the impression that it bothers all the time. Here, there are a lot of veiled and suddenly, I feel inclusive. »»
The UN denounces a discriminatory measurement
“” We are strongly committed to continuing to open our practice spaces to all, says Viviane Nora, founder of the Balle in hand association. Professional player in the national team of Morocco, she gives advice to young players, by seamping them. And she remains determined. “” It remains a fundamental right for us, continues the professional sportsman. Because when you know all the contributions [du sport]whether in terms of social health, physical health, mental health … to deprive women to access all these benefits, it is unthinkable for us. So what I want to say is welcome people who cannot find their place elsewhere. Welcome to us, really. »»
There France is the only country in the world to want to ban hijab in sport. This measure is deemed “discriminatory” by the UN, which requires its withdrawal.
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