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With the burkini in the swimming pool (symbol image)
Photo:
Rolf Haid / dpa
Out with the burkini: full-body swimsuits and topless bathing remain banned in public swimming pools in the French city of Grenoble.
The Supreme Administrative Court in France confirmed a corresponding verdict by a local court that had caused a stir in France.
The change in clothing regulations in Grenoble was aimed at "meeting religious requirements," the statement said.
Therefore, it is a "violation of the principle of neutrality of the public service," said the State Council.
The trigger for the dispute was a decision by the city of Grenoble to abolish the previous requirement that women wear "decent" swimwear in public swimming pools.
According to the new regulation, full-body swimsuits, but also »topless« and swim shirts with a sun protection factor would have been allowed.
However, the ensuing debate focused exclusively on allowing burkinis, a pun on bikini and burqa.
These are full body swimsuits worn primarily by a small minority of Muslim women.
The city of Grenoble argued that public facilities such as swimming pools should be there for everyone.
Proponents also defended the right of swimming pool users to express their religious affiliation through their clothing.
A burkini is comparable to a headscarf worn on the street.
However, a local court overturned the city council's decision, prompting Grenoble's green mayor, Eric Piolle, to appeal to the Supreme Administrative Court.
The dispute over burkinis is a popular summertime topic in France (read more here).
The State Council had already dealt with the topic in 2016.
At that time, he ruled that a burkini ban on public beaches, which several places had issued, was inappropriate and had to be lifted.
as /AFP
