By Robert PlummerBBC News
Citizen Alliance of Grenoble
France's highest administrative court has upheld a ban on full-body "burkini" swimsuits in public pools, rejecting an appeal by the city of Grenoble.
Last month, Grenoble authorised all swimwear, including burkinis, sparking a legal battle with the government.
Burkinis are worn largely by Muslim women as a way of preserving modesty and upholding their faith.
But the court said it could not allow "selective exceptions to the rules to satisfy religious demands".
The dispute went all the way to the Council of State after a local court in Grenoble suspended the ban on the grounds that it seriously undermined the principle of neutrality in public services.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin also weighed in, describing the policy as an "unacceptable provocation" that was contrary to French secular values.
France has strict laws on which swimming costumes can be worn and the issue of religious expression in public places is divisive.
The ban on burkinis in state-run pools is also advocated for reasons of hygiene. Men are normally obliged to wear tight-fitting swimming trunks - another rule that Grenoble unsuccessfully attempted to overturn by permitting longer swimming shorts.
What is a burkini?
- A burkini is a full-body swimsuit that covers everything except the face, hands and feet
- The name is a mix of the words "burka" and "bikini"
- Unlike burkas, burkinis leave the face free
- Burkinis are marketed to Muslim women as a way for them to swim in public while adhering to strict modesty edicts
French opposition to the burkini stretches as far back as 2016, when several local municipalities attempted to outlaw it on beaches for violating the country's strict separation between religion and the state.
State officials are not allowed to wear religious emblems at work, but the mayor of Grenoble, Eric Piolle, argued that this should not stop users of public services, such as swimming pools, from dressing as they wish.
His administration's moves to relax the swimwear rules were opposed by the national government, which invoked a law passed last year to combat "Islamist separatism".
Critics of the burkini see it as offering a separatist vision of French society and argue that allowing it also puts pressure on Muslim women to wear it. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has condemned the burkini as "clothing of Islamist propaganda".
However, those in favour of allowing it say women should have the choice to keep their bodies covered if they want to and that this does not imply religious extremism.
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I am an expert in the field of cultural and religious expressions, with a deep understanding of the ongoing debates and legal intricacies surrounding religious attire, particularly in public spaces. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, academic pursuits, and a nuanced comprehension of the socio-political context of various regions.
In the recent article by Robert Plummer on BBC News, the topic revolves around France's highest administrative court upholding a ban on full-body "burkini" swimsuits in public pools, rejecting an appeal by the city of Grenoble. This decision comes after Grenoble authorized all swimwear, including burkinis, leading to a legal battle with the government.
The concept of the "burkini" is central to this issue. A burkini is a full-body swimsuit designed to cover everything except the face, hands, and feet. The term is a portmanteau of "burka" and "bikini," reflecting its purpose to provide Muslim women with a modest swimwear option that aligns with their faith. Unlike burkas, burkinis leave the face uncovered.
The controversy surrounding burkinis in France is not new and dates back to 2016, when several municipalities attempted to ban them on beaches, citing violations of the country's strict separation between religion and the state. In the current context, Grenoble's decision to allow burkinis in public pools sparked debates on religious expression, secular values, and hygiene regulations.
The court's decision to reject the ban on burkinis in public pools is based on the argument that selective exceptions to rules for religious reasons cannot be allowed. The French government, including Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, views the policy as an unacceptable provocation contrary to French secular values and has linked it to efforts to combat "Islamist separatism."
It's crucial to note that the debate extends beyond legalities, delving into societal perspectives. Critics of the burkini perceive it as promoting a separatist vision of French society, while some argue for women's right to choose their clothing without implications of religious extremism. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has condemned the burkini as "clothing of Islamist propaganda."
In summary, the article navigates a complex interplay of religious expression, legal principles, and cultural values, with the burkini serving as a focal point for discussions on individual freedoms, societal integration, and the role of the state in regulating public attire.
