‘Burkini bans’ taken to top court

France’s highest administrative court is being asked to overturn beach bans imposed by 26 towns on women in full-body swimsuits known as “burkinis”. A human rights group and an anti-Islamophobia association argue the bans are in breach of French law. Mayors, particularly on the Riviera, say the bans are protecting public order and rules on […]

France’s highest administrative court is being asked to overturn beach bans imposed by 26 towns on women in full-body swimsuits known as “burkinis”.
A human rights group and an anti-Islamophobia association argue the bans are in breach of French law.
Mayors, particularly on the Riviera, say the bans are protecting public order and rules on secularism.
Opinion polls suggest most French people back the bans but Muslims warn they are being targeted unfairly.
According to an Ifop survey, 64% of French people are in favour of the bans while another 30% are indifferent.
The bans appeared to have split senior members of the French government.