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Cannes Bans Full-Body 'Burkini' Swimsuits From Beaches

The French resort has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits worn by some Muslim women from its beaches, citing security concerns.

Associated Press

12 August 2016

CANNES, France — The French resort of Cannes has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits worn by some Muslim women from its beaches, citing security concerns.

The ban on so-called burkinis, at the height of the French Riviera vacation season, comes as the country remains on edge after deadly Islamic extremist attacks on nearby Nice and on a Catholic church in northwest France.

Cannes Mayor David Lisnard issued an ordinance forbidding beachwear that doesn't respect "good morals and secularism," noting 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 ordinance, in effect for August, could apply to burkini-style swimsuits. Violators risk a €38 ($42) fine.

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