France Creates Dreadlock Anti-Discrimination Law

The law received majority support despite opposition from groups who called it a policy imported from the United States.

Member of Parliament of Afro-Guadeloupean descent, Olivier Serva, who helped draft the law, said that the new regulation is very helpful for victims of discrimination based on hairstyles in workplaces and other public spaces. This also amplifies their voices, who have long been victims because they are considered different.

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"There is a lot of trouble because of hairdressing issues and we have to take it seriously," said Serva.

In the French government system, the law must be ratified by the Senate before it can become positive law.

Olivier Serva cited a 2023 study by Unilever's shampoo producer, Dove, and the professional social media platform LinkedIn, which showed that two out of three African-American women in the United States have to change their hairstyles to comply with job requirements. The study also proved that Afro women's hairstyles, which naturally curl or form dreadlocks, are considered unprofessional in appearance.

The new law is aimed at preventing all types of discrimination against hair texture, including curls, dreadlocks, or hairstyles. According to Serva, the rule also protects blonde-haired women from discrimination due to sexual stereotypes.

The law adds to France's anti-discrimination rules which base life on freedom, equality, and secularism.

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A number of Afro women in Paris express their joy about the law. "This is a good thing because I have been taking care of my natural hair since I was six years old and now I will be turning 20. Afro hair has its own special characteristics," said Didi Makeda, a Parisian woman.

Another woman, Tracy Kofi, stated that everyone has different types of hair. "Companies that discriminate based on hair types should face legal action," said Kofi.

Across the Atlantic, in the United States, 23 states have already issued laws protecting citizens from discrimination based on hair and hairstyles in the workplace and educational institutions.

However, not all residents in France support the regulation. This is quite ironic considering how France highly values cultural diversity and equality. France does not allow quota allocation based on ethnicity or the collection of data based on someone's ethnicity.

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In a debate in the French Parliament, Fabien Di Filipo from the conservative camp, Les Republicains, derided the law. "Are we going to make a law preventing discrimination against bald people who are not represented in shampoo ads tomorrow?" said Di Filipo.

He said that France already has laws that prohibit discrimination based on someone's appearance. The existence of a law regarding hair discrimination is excessive and is an import of the American way of thinking in the process of making laws in France.

Philippe Schreck from the far-right National Rally called on the French parliament to discuss more important issues such as national debt, rather than the issue of hair discrimination. (REUTERS)