After Islam-inspired terrorist attacks in the last couple of months, it is not surprising to see that French wants to impose more regulation on Muslim migrants and tourists. One such measure was imposed on the French resort of Cannes and it seeks to ban full-body, head-covering swimsuits from its beaches, citing security reasons.
The measure was lauded by all peace-loving Europeans and condemned by Muslim migrants who wants to impose their beliefs on those who they considered as infidels.
The ban on so-called burkinis, at the height of the French Riviera's vacation season, comes as France remains on edge after deadly Islamic extremist attacks in nearby Nice and on a Catholic church in northwest France.
Cannes Mayor David Lisnard issued an ordinance in late July forbidding beachwear that doesn't respect "good morals and secularism." It notes that swimwear "manifesting religious affiliation in an ostentatious way, while France and its religious sites are currently the target of terrorist attacks, could create risks of trouble to public order."
A City Hall official said the measure, in effect until the end of August, could apply to burkini-style swimsuits. Violators risk a 38 euro (US$ 42) fine.
The mayor calls the burkini "the uniform of extremist Islamism, not of the Muslim religion." In an interview published recently in the Nice-Matin newspaper, Lisnard said the measure could also apply to saris worn by Indian bathers, because the clothing could hamper rescuers' efforts to save them in an emergency.
Beachgoers in Cannes had nothing but supporting opinions.
Delphine Hannouna, of Paris, said that for her burkinis are not "illegal." However, she fears the consequences for women.
"If we accept more and more things, it's like a regression for women," she said, "especially for French women who are very free."
The measure was lauded by all peace-loving Europeans and condemned by Muslim migrants who wants to impose their beliefs on those who they considered as infidels.
The ban on so-called burkinis, at the height of the French Riviera's vacation season, comes as France remains on edge after deadly Islamic extremist attacks in nearby Nice and on a Catholic church in northwest France.
Cannes Mayor David Lisnard issued an ordinance in late July forbidding beachwear that doesn't respect "good morals and secularism." It notes that swimwear "manifesting religious affiliation in an ostentatious way, while France and its religious sites are currently the target of terrorist attacks, could create risks of trouble to public order."
A City Hall official said the measure, in effect until the end of August, could apply to burkini-style swimsuits. Violators risk a 38 euro (US$ 42) fine.
The mayor calls the burkini "the uniform of extremist Islamism, not of the Muslim religion." In an interview published recently in the Nice-Matin newspaper, Lisnard said the measure could also apply to saris worn by Indian bathers, because the clothing could hamper rescuers' efforts to save them in an emergency.
Beachgoers in Cannes had nothing but supporting opinions.
Delphine Hannouna, of Paris, said that for her burkinis are not "illegal." However, she fears the consequences for women.
"If we accept more and more things, it's like a regression for women," she said, "especially for French women who are very free."