French Bill Banning Hair Discrimination

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
France's lower house of parliament approved a bill that would ban discrimination over the texture, length, color, or style of someone's hair, aiming to support Black people and others facing hostility due to their hair. The bill faces further steps in the Senate. If passed, it would make France the first country to recognize discrimination based on hair at a national level.

Key Points

  • The bill would outlaw discrimination against people with curly, coiled, or perceived unprofessional hairstyles
  • France aims to address discrimination faced by Black people and those not fitting Eurocentric standards
  • Inspired by the CROWN Act in the U.S., the bill faces challenges in the Senate

Pros

  • Supports Black people and others facing discrimination over their hair
  • Aims to break down barriers of discrimination in the workplace and beyond
  • Would make France the first country to recognize discrimination based on hair at a national level

Cons

  • May face opposition in the Senate from right-wing and far-right lawmakers
  • Opponents argue that existing legal framework offers enough protection against hair discrimination