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French Swim Resort Rules Bar "Burkinis"

By Howard M. Friedman

With a ban on wearing of burqas in public about to see final passage in France (see prior posting), the London Mail today reports that two Muslim women were ordered out of a swimming pool in the southern French city of Port Leucate for wearing "burkinis". These are swim garments that cover the entire body, including a veil over the head. A regional government official said that the action stemmed from a violation of the vacation resort's own rules that require men and women to wear ordinary swim wear for hygienic reasons. Police were called in when the husband of one of the women threatened the pool's lifeguard with a bowling ball. He eventually backed down, and the couples left the pool with no charges being filed. (see prior related posting.)

Full post as published by Religion Clause on July 23, 2010 (boomark / email).