French Ban Burkinis

French areas have recently banned Burkinis on the beach, which has created quite a controversy.

"In late July, the Mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard, banned the burkini on public beaches, calling them ‘the uniform of extremist Islamism.’  Since then more than 30 other French municipalities, many of them along the French Riviera, have followed suit.  A few weeks later, on August 26, the French Council of State, France’s highest administrative court, overturned the ban and ruled that mayors do not have the right to ban burkinis. . . The issue has sparked a worldwide media frenzy.  In France, Prime Minister Manuel Valls declared that he supported banning burkinis.” – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-v-micallef/is-france-right-to-ban-th_b_11845732.html

 Here are some reactions that might interest naturists:

“The Burkini swimsuit is similar to ‘swim costumes’ worn almost 100 years ago required by ‘civilized’ society for modesty.  It covers a woman's entire body except for her face, feet and hands.  Women wear it for religious reasons, modesty, almost total protection from the sun's rays or to make a statement.  It is required swimwear by those who believe women should not show their skin or curves in public.  It is not very conducive to actual swimming or free movement in the water.” -  Don Beard, http://www.naktiv.net/blog/1105/modern-swimwear-styles/

“The ultimate swimsuit is no suit or nudity.  Wearing nothing exposes all of the skin and allows the maximum freedom of movement and comfort.  Being nude allows the entire body to feel air and water.  The body dries easily and quickly.  It costs nothing.  It is easy to wash and dry off.  Wearing nothing has always been the best choice for swimming, sunning and most forms of recreation.  People have been doing it for thousands of years and it never goes out of style.  It doesn't leave tan lines or marks.  It says the human body is not shameful or disgusting and does not have to be hidden from other people.” -  Don Beard, http://www.naktiv.net/blog/1105/modern-swimwear-styles/

“Burkini problem or opportunity? - I feel the French government's support for a burkini ban is a natural reaction against attempts to import a less free culture.  A solution is at hand, use the burkini issue to promote a clothing optional culture everywhere.  Remove ALL dress code requirements for clothing on beaches and everywhere else.  Couple this with a clothing freedom advertising campaign with people bathing naked, in full business suits and everything in between.  Extend this to everywhere on the grounds that anything else is an unwarranted intrusion on liberty. . . Most people will not object but of course some Christian and other groups, will complain but this will show up their own authoritarian outlook.” – Richard Jannaway, http://www.naktiv.net/blog/1109/burkini-problem-or-opportunity/

What do you  think?