France: Two swimming pools close down when women in burkini came for swimming

Grenoble [France]: In Grenoble City which is located in the South East of France, the gates of two swimming pools were closed down for burkini-clad women who had come for swimming.

It happened when the entire France is facing heat waves. Many people are reaching the swimming pools in order to save themselves from heat stroke.

In a statement issued by the swimming pool authorities, it was stated that this step has been taken to ensure peace since there are rumours that women wearing burkini would be harassed.

It may be mentioned that a social organization by name, “Citizens’ Alliance of Grenoble” had registered its protest by wearing burkhini on 24th June and its activists had raised slogans against this ban. These women conveyed the message to the swimming pool authorities that this dress is not a symbol of terrorism.

It may be mentioned that the swimming pool authorities had imposed fine on these two women.

It may be noted that in 2011, ban was imposed on wearing complete hijab and burkini. However, European and local courts had termed this verdict as illegal. Later, in 2014, France removed this ban but it was imposed in 2016 against which many organizations filed petitions in courts. This time, French court declared that such a ban is illegal.

The swimming pool authorities justify this ban even though it is declared illegal by courts under the pretext that other people get terrified when they see burkini clad women.