France's lower house of parliament has overwhelmingly backed a bill aimed at banning discrimination based on hairstyle, color, or texture.
The draft law, championed by Olivier Serva, an independent deputy representing the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe, now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
Serva, the bill's sponsor, emphasised the widespread suffering caused by hair discrimination, particularly among women of African descent in France. He highlighted instances where individuals were pressured to alter their hairstyles before job interviews, citing it as a barrier to equal opportunities in the workplace.
In a statement to The Guardian, Serva expressed his elation, proclaiming, "Today is a historic day. France is the first country in the world to adopt a nationwide legislative arsenal aimed specifically at combating hair discrimination in the workplace and in the public arena."
The bill, approved by an overwhelming majority of 44 legislators against two, garnered significant support, although many lawmakers in the National Assembly did not cast their votes. For the legislation to become law, it must secure approval in the Senate, where it may face opposition.
Supporters of the measure view it as a crucial milestone in the fight against discrimination. Estelle Vallois, a consultant in Paris, welcomed the development, stating, "Today, we're going even further toward taking down these barriers of discrimination."
Aude Livoreil-Djampou, a hairdresser, underscored the broader implications of the bill, noting that it empowers individuals to assert their rights in professional settings. "It will give strength to people to be able to answer, when asked to straighten their hair, they can say: 'No, this is not legal, you cannot expect that from me, it has nothing to do with my professional competence,'" she remarked.
The legislation follows a landmark legal victory in 2022, where a black Air France aircrew member secured the right to wear braided hair on flights after a decade-long legal battle. Additionally, high-profile individuals in France, including a former government spokesperson, have faced online harassment due to their hairstyles.
