French Court Overturns Burkini Ban, Says It’s Breach of Freedom

The division in French society over the ban reflects the growing apprehension towards Muslims and immigrants.

A protest against the Burkini ban. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/@BurkiniSwimwear)

A top French court on Friday suspended the ban on full-body burkini swimsuits that has angered Muslims, feminists and civil liberties campaigners globally.

The ruling by the Council of State relates to the Mediterranean resort of Villeneuve-Loubet, one of more than a dozen French towns that have imposed such bans.

The burkini ban has shone a light on secular France’s long-standing difficulties integrating its Muslim population and dealing with the aftermath of a series of Islamist attacks.

Also Read: Global Anger As French Policemen Force Woman To Take off Burkini

The court said in a statement the decree to ban burkinis in Villeneuve-Loubet “seriously, and clearly illegally, breached the fundamental freedoms to come and go, the freedom of beliefs and individual freedom.”

The lawyer representing the League of Human Rights campaign group, which had challenged the ban in Villeneuve-Loubet, told reporters the ruling meant all town halls would need to reverse their bans. The group argued the bans contravened civil liberties.

However, one mayor in Corsica said he would not suspend the ban, showing that the ruling will not put a quick end to the heated controversy that has already filtered into early campaigning for the 2017 presidential election.

There’s a lot of tension here and I won’t withdraw my decree.

Ange-Pierre Vivoni, Sisco Mayor told BFM TV

The issue has also made French cultural identity a hot-button issue, along with security, in political debates ahead of next April’s presidential election.

Also Read: Amid Uproar, Ban on Burkinis in France Boosts Sales by 200%

Prime Minister Manuel Valls robustly defended the burkini ban on Thursday while some ministers criticised it, exposing divisions within the government as campaigning begins.

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy said on Thursday he would impose a nationwide ban on burkinis if elected as he seeks to position himself as a strong defender of French values and tough on immigration.

This is a slap for the Prime Minister and a kick up the backside for Sarkozy. We’re satisfied with this.

Abdallah Zekri, Secretary General, French Muslim Council (CFCM)

Socialist Party spokesman Razzy Hammadi told BFM TV he hoped the ruling “will put an end to this nasty controversy”.