Township in French Corsica bans burkini on beaches

By Esra Taskin

PARIS (AA) - A township on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica issued a ban on wearing burkinis on its beaches, citing concerns over public order and secularism, according to the French media.

Lecci Mayor Don Georges Gianni announced the ban on Wednesday. The prohibition, which is set to remain in effect until Sept. 30, applies to anyone not wearing "appropriate attire" in line with the principles of secularism.

The decision claims that religious clothing could lead to conflict on the beaches. Burkinis are swimwear that covers most of the body in line with Muslim modesty guidelines, but can be worn by women of any religious affiliation.

The decision said that "while France and places of worship could be targets of terrorist attacks, beach attire that signifies religious affiliation may pose a risk to public order (such as crowd gathering or fighting), and these risks need to be prevented,” stressing the tense global environment.

The Corsica Prefecture is set to review the decision to ensure it complies with French law.

- Burkini ban last year was overturned

In a similar incident last year, Mandelieu-La-Napoule on the French Cote d’Azur prohibited burkinis on its beaches from June 15 to Aug. 31.

The French Human Rights League challenged the ban in Nice Administrative Court, but the court upheld the ban in July, citing concerns over public order.

The group then appealed to the Council of State, which ruled on July 17 that the ban violated individual rights, including freedom of movement, conscience, and personal liberty, overturning the measure.