Tribune de Genève.
Last week, the municipality effectively banned burkinis from the city’s pools.
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A new rule says women wishing to enter the pool must wear a one or two piece swim suit that leaves arms bare and goes no further than the knees. Skirts and bath robes are not allowed.
Invented in Australia by Lebanese born Aheda Zanetti, the burkini covers arms and legs and has a built in skirt.
In September different rules were implemented at different pools around the city. These new rules, accepted by 41 and rejected by 30, were designed to bring clarity and were justified on hygiene grounds.
According to Tribune de Genève the issue was hotly contested, to the point where a fight almost broke out outside the meeting.
Some, including former mayor Sami Kanaan, were against the new rule, arguing that it is against an open, multicultural, liberal Geneva. Councillor Alia Chaker Mangeat described it as creating new controversy and playing into the hands of extremists.
More on this:
Tribune de Genève article (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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