Lawmakers in France’s lower house of parliament approved a bill to ban discrimination over hair texture and style. The bill, proposed by lawmaker Olivier Serva, aims to support Black people and others facing hostility due to their hair. The bill, which passed 44-2, will now go to the Senate for further consideration.
The bill would make France the first country to recognize discrimination based on hair at a national level. It amends existing anti-discrimination measures to explicitly outlaw discrimination against people with curly, coiled, or other hairstyles perceived as unprofessional. While the bill doesn’t specifically target race-based discrimination, it addresses the discrimination faced by those who don’t fit Eurocentric standards.
In the United States, 24 states have passed the CROWN Act to ban race-based hair discrimination. The French bill faces opposition from those who believe existing laws provide enough protection against hair discrimination. Supporters point to cases like that of a Black flight attendant who faced discrimination over his braids, highlighting the need for legal protection against hair-based discrimination.
France’s universalist vision, which doesn’t differentiate citizens by ethnic groups, makes it challenging to measure race-based discrimination. Advocates of the bill hope it addresses the long-standing struggle of Black French people to embrace their natural hair. Hairdresser Aude Livoreil-Djampou emphasizes the deeper significance of the bill beyond just hair, empowering people to assert their natural beauty and resist pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.
Customers like Estelle Vallois express hope for a future where society no longer stigmatizes natural hair. Vallois reflects on past struggles with finding products for frizzy hair and the ongoing change towards greater inclusivity. The bill’s passage represents a significant step towards dismantling barriers of discrimination and promoting acceptance of diverse hair textures and styles in French society.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest crime news and updates directly to your inbox. [newsletter]
22 Comments
I think banning certain hairstyles is too extreme. People should express themselves freely.
Agreed! Its ridiculous to police how people wear their hair. Let individuals be themselves without unnecessary restrictions. We should focus on more important issues than someones hairstyle. Lets embrace diversity and individuality instead of stifling it.
I dont get why hair is such a big deal in politics.
I dont get why we cant have a law against man buns instead 🤷♂️
I dont get why hair is such a big deal in politics. 🤷♀️
I dont get why people are so worked up about hairstyles. Lets focus on bigger issues!
I think banning discrimination based on hairstyles is unnecessary. Let people express themselves freely.
This is ridiculous! People should be able to wear whatever hairstyle they want.
Who cares about hairstyles? There are much bigger issues to worry about. Focus on things that actually matter. Prioritize freedom and expression where it counts.
Shouldnt people have the freedom to style their hair however they want?
Sure, people should have the freedom to style their hair as they please. But that doesnt mean they should be immune to criticism or consequences. Just because you can do something doesnt mean you should. Personal expression is important, but so is professionalism and respect for societal norms.
Do you think this bill goes too far or not far enough?
Do you think this bill goes too far or not far enough?
Do you think this bill goes too far in regulating personal appearance?
Mind your own business. People have the right to express themselves however they want. This bill is a blatant infringement on personal freedom. Let individuals make their own choices without government interference.
Do you think this bill goes too far in regulating personal appearance?
Regulating personal appearance is necessary for maintaining social standards and professionalism. If anything, this bill doesnt go far enough in ensuring a presentable and respectable image in public settings. People need to take responsibility for their appearance, and regulations help maintain a cohesive society.
Im all for equality, but does this bill go too far? Just a thought.
Do you think this bill goes too far or not far enough?
Its all a matter of perspective. Some will argue it goes too far, while others will say it doesnt go far enough. Whats important is finding the right balance that serves the greater good. Everyones entitled to their opinion, but lets focus on constructive dialogue to reach a solution.
Shouldnt people have the right to wear their hair however they want?
Sure, people have the right to wear their hair however they want. But lets not forget that certain hairstyles can perpetuate harmful stereotypes or cultural appropriation. Respect and understanding should always come before personal expression.