Friday, August 26, 2016

Top French Court Invalidates Burkini Ban

France's top administrative court-- the Council of State-- today overturned the ban on burkini swim suits imposed by the town of Villeneuve-Loubet.  According to France 24, the court ruled that restrictions on individual liberties are justified only if there is a "proven risk" to public order. Some 30 French towns have adopted similar restrictions on the full-body swimsuit worn by Muslim women, justifying them as a provocation in light of recent terrorist attacks in France.  Today's ruling presumably sets precedent that will invalidate all of these. (See prior related posting.)

UPDATE: Here is the full text (in French) of the Council of State's decision in the case.