France’s top administrative court upheld a ban on full-body burkini swimsuits on Tuesday, rejecting an appeal from the city of Grenoble.
Grenoble, located in southeastern France, had authorized women to wear burkinis in public pools last month. The decision means that burkini swimwear, largely worn by Muslim women, will be banned in the city’s pools once again.
MARINE LE PEN’S FAR-RIGHT PARTY GAINS NEWFOUND POWER IN THE FRENCH ELECTION
“The new rules of procedure for the municipal swimming pools of Grenoble affect … the proper functioning of the public service, and undermines the equal treatment of users so that the neutrality of public service is compromised,” the Conseil d’Etat said in a statement obtained by Reuters.
The court argued the rule allowing burkinis runs counter to a French principle of secularism, which outlines that religious affiliations should be kept largely out of the public eye.
The wearing of burkinis, a type of swimwear that leaves only the face, hands, and feet exposed, has been a long-disputed topic in France. Though they are largely prohibited across France, several cities have gotten away with allowing them. The city of Rennes has allowed burkinis in public pools, though the decision was aimed at loosening swimwear rules, not based on religious reasons.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
French public pools also have strict rules pertaining to clothing, generally banning baggy swim trunks and other loosely fitted clothing, citing hygiene reasons. Caps are also required.
