Burkini ban is sexist, hypocritical and discriminatory: HRW

French PM says wearing of the burkini not compatible with the values of France and the Republic

Taking note of the recent ban on burkinis on certain French beaches, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the ban was sexist, hypocritical and discriminatory.

"The Burkini Ban is sexist, hypocritical and discriminatory. Not to mention downright mean too," HRW posted on its Facebook account. The burkini is a full-body garment worn by some Muslim women when swimming.



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“Three more beach resorts in France have reportedly said they will ban female bathers from wearing the burkini, a full-body garment worn by some Muslim women when doing sports. France's prime minister sparked outrage by saying the burkini is not compatible with the values of France and the Republic,” HRW said on its website.

French premier says burkini "is not compatible" with French values. But banning clothing is? https://t.co/Iso7om3FZG pic.twitter.com/NPQMwo71xp

— Andrew Stroehlein (@astroehlein) August 17, 2016

On Tuesday, three resorts in France were poised to join three other seaside towns in banning the burkini. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls also weighed in on the debate, saying that the wearing of the burkini was “not compatible with the values of France and the Republic” and saying he supported mayors who banned it if they acted in the public good.

I wonder if European nations now banning Muslim swimwear will kick these women off their beaches too. #Burkini pic.twitter.com/zfvjDQo99z

— Hend Amry (@LibyaLiberty) August 16, 2016

In the southwest, the mayor of the resort town of Leucate, Michel Py was to sign a municipal decree later on Tuesday that would ban the burkini on public beaches the town hall said. The decree, which runs until August 31, will bar access to public beaches to “any person who is not properly dressed, respectful of moral behaviour and secularism, hygiene and bathing safety.”

“The wearing of bathing clothes which are associated with these principles is also forbidden,” according to the decree, seen by AFP.