The French government is embroiled in a heated debate over a proposed law to ban religious symbols, including the hijab, in all sports competitions.

Prime Minister François Bayrou has backed the proposal, which aims to uphold secularism in sports, but internal disagreements among ministers have sparked tensions.

During a recent meeting, Bayrou clashed with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who threatened to leave the discussion.

Despite the discord, the government insists on a unified stance, with Bayrou emphasizing the importance of combating Islamist influence in sports.

Critics, however, argue that the ban risks conflating religious expression with radicalization, further polarizing the issue.

The proposal, already passed in the Senate, will soon be debated in the National Assembly.