French court suspends burkini ban after challenge

State Council says authorities could only restrict individual liberties if there was a "proven risk" to public order


Afp August 26, 2016
State Council says authorities could only restrict individual liberties if there was a "proven risk" to public order. PHOTO: REUTERS

PARIS: France's highest administrative court on Friday suspended a ban on the Islamic burkini swimsuit brought by a French Riviera town after it was challenged by rights groups.

In a judgement expected to set a precedent, the State Council ruled that local authorities could only restrict individual liberties if there was a "proven risk" to public order.

The case before the court concerned the French Riviera resort of Villeneuve-Loubet, one of around 30 towns which have passed burkini bans.

Burkini gave women freedom, creator says

The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) hailed the ruling as "a victory for common sense".

Police have fined Muslim women for wearing burkinis on beaches in towns including in the renowned Riviera resorts of Nice and Cannes.

COMMENTS (15)

Saved | 8 years ago | Reply The French courts are going to save French values. As such the history of the long struggle enshrined in the French Revolution for liberty, equality, and fraternity would not be consigned to the dustbin of History.
Fine | 8 years ago | Reply @Whatever...: As a better person you should be mindful of others sensitivities. If you really try to understand it you shall know what I mean.
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