France Makes History: Bill Outlawing Hair-Based Discrimination Passes National Assembly
A historic milestone in the fight for workplace equality
In a groundbreaking move, France’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill against discrimination based on hair texture, hairstyle, or colour. Led by MP Olivier Serva, this landmark legislation aims to combat a pervasive form of bias that has long affected individuals, particularly those of African descent: hair-based discrimination.
The Pervasive Issue of Hair-Based Discrimination
Hair-based discrimination can have profound consequences. This is when people experience unfair treatment, from job rejections to workplace harassment, simply because their hair texture and cultural hairstyles do not conform to Eurocentric beauty ideals. This bias disproportionately impacts Black people, who have often faced societal pressures to alter their natural appearance.
A Champion for Change: MP Olivier Serva
The bill’s approval in the National Assembly represents a significant achievement for workplace equality. Although it must still pass through the Senate, the overwhelming support it received in the lower house signals a growing recognition of hair-based discrimination as a critical issue that must be tackled.
Breaking Down Barriers and Empowering People
Supporters of the bill stress its importance in dismantling discriminatory practices.
Estelle Vallois, a consultant, expressed her enthusiasm while getting her curly hair cut in a Paris salon, stating, “It’s about time.” She believes the legislation will help eliminate the biases that have historically hindered people.
Hairdresser and mother of three mixed-race children, Aude Livoreil-Djampou, echoed this sentiment, asserting that the bill’s implications extend beyond hair-based discrimination:
“It’s not only a hair issue. It will give strength to people. When asked to straighten their hair, they can now say: ‘No, this is not legal; you cannot expect that from me. It has nothing to do with my professional competence.’”

A Landmark Legal Victory and Growing Momentum
The bill’s passage follows a landmark legal victory in 2022, when a Black Air France crew member successfully contested restrictions on wearing braided hair during flights, challenging outdated policies that limited her professional expression.
High-profile figures, including a former government spokesperson who has faced online harassment due to their hairstyle, have backed the bill. These advocates have helped raise awareness about hair discrimination and the need for change.
Addressing Controversy and Criticism
While the bill has received widespread support, it has faced some criticism. Some argue that existing French laws adequately address discrimination based on appearance and that the new legislation is unnecessary. However, supporters counter that current laws have failed to effectively combat hair-based discrimination, and that this new legislation is crucial for explicitly addressing the issue, offering stronger protections to those affected by hair racism.
A Symbol of Progress and International Impact
Regardless of the ongoing debate, the bill’s passage marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of workplace equality. It sends a clear message that discrimination based on hairstyles will no longer be tolerated.
As France advances this landmark legislation, it sets a vital precedent for other nations. By outlawing hair discrimination, France is taking an essential stride towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, where individuals can thrive without fear of bias.
Source: AP News