The highest administrative court in France has revoked a ban on the full body suit dubbed the “burkini” swim suit. The decision says that it breaches on the fundamental rights of individuals to come and go, freedom of beliefs and individual freedom.
The decision has been given for the town of Villeneuve-Loubet. However Up to 30 other towns who had also placed the ban later will also most likely have to suspend it.
The legalities of the ban are still under discussion but it is quite likely that the fines that were imposed on individuals will have to be refunded.
The ban had ignited fierce debate in France and worldwide. Rights groups and an anti-islamophobia organization had taken the ban to the courts.
Most mayors of towns in France agreed that the ban protected France’s secular values while the argument for freedom of religion was presented by the representatives of the effected individuals.
