Overview
French lawmakers in the lower house of the country’s parliament have voted in favor of a historic legislation that would outlaw discrimination based on hairstyle, color, or texture. The bill aims to address the discrimination faced by individuals due to their hair, particularly those with curly, coiled, or no hair at all.
Key Points
- Olivier Serva, a Black lawmaker from Guadeloupe, introduced the bill to combat hair discrimination.
- A 2023 study by Dove and LinkedIn revealed that two out of three Black women in the US changed their hair for job interviews.
- The bill seeks to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on hair texture, length, color, or style.
- The legislation passed in the French parliament with a 44-2 majority.
Arguments
Supporters of the bill believe that it is a crucial step towards dismantling barriers of discrimination. However, opponents argue that the bill is unnecessary and may divert attention from more pressing issues.
- Estelle Vallois, a consultant, expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of combating discrimination.
- Critics, such as Fabien Di Filipo, question the need for such legislation, suggesting that it may be influenced by US trends.
- Philippe Schreck of the National Rally highlighted other priorities, such as addressing public debt, over the bill.
Future Implications
The bill must now pass through the French Senate, where it may encounter opposition. The legislation aligns with efforts in the US, where several states have already implemented laws to protect individuals from hair discrimination in various settings.
