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French Pool Boots Woman in 'Burkini'

Officials say head-to-toe swimwear violates hygiene rules

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 13, 2009 2:53 AM CDT

(Newser) – A Muslim woman has been banned from a French public pool for wearing a head-to-toe "burkini" swimsuit, the BBC reports. The woman, who had purchased the suit in Dubai, called the ruling "segregation." Officials cited hygiene rules that prevent swimming clothed, and said it was not because of religious discrimination or the country's efforts to ban the burka. "That type of suit does not exist in the Koran," explained the town's mayor.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

Mecca Laa Laa wears a 'Burkini' on her first surf lifesaving patrol at North Cronulla Beach in Sydney, Australia. (Getty Images)

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Quite simply, this is segregation. I will fight to try to change things. And if I see that the battle is lost, I cannot rule out leaving France.
- Carole, the burkini-wearer

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 11 comments

Snarfeh

Aug 15, 2009 3:16 AM CDT

And there's the fact that hygiene is not limited to clothing. Someone with an infection could wear the "proper" bathing suit and jump right in. I've no idea whether infection carries through water, but doing it is still *nasteh*...

cognitivefilter

Aug 14, 2009 3:54 AM CDT

first of all, the burka is part of a culture. it doesn't have to be written down for it to be important to a people. but what is so unsanitary about a full clothing swimsuit? i gotta watch out for my wetsuit i guess

armywife

Aug 13, 2009 12:19 PM CDT

not all women who wear burkas are oppressed; many choose to wear them, like this woman. just as some women in the west choose to wear modest clothing that fully covers their body.

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French Pool Boots Woman in 'Burkini'