Burkini - the 'not simple' swimsuit

(Baonghean) - Recently, the name burkini has become popular in the media when it was banned on many beaches in France. Perhaps never before has an outfit been able to affect so many aspects of life...

What is a burkini?

Burkini is a type of swimsuit for Muslim women, covering the arms, legs and hair of the wearer. For Muslims, wearing clothes that cover the arms, legs and hair is a sign of modesty and a demonstration of their faith.

A woman wearing a burkini on the beach in Marseille, France. Photo: Guardian

Burkini is often used while swimming as well as on the beach, its name is a combination of the word “burqa” - a Muslim costume and the word “bikini” meaning swimsuit.

Although it is a swimsuit designed specifically for Muslim women, the burkini has been banned in many French coastal cities such as Cannes and Villeneuve-Loubet for reasons that it is inconsistent with values, laws related to secularism (restricting the influence of religion in some areas, creating a state neutral on religious beliefs) or due to the fear of terrorism. Each violation can result in being forced to remove part of the outfit or a fine of about 38 Euros.

In fact, several women wearing Burkinis have been fined by the police for what they say is an immoral and secular outfit. The bans come amid ongoing tensions in France, following a spate of Islamist attacks, most recently a truck attack in Nice that killed 85 people, all carried out by members of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS).

Muslim dress is also a controversial issue in France, the first European country to ban face masks in public in 2010 and the headscarf in public schools in 2016.

Mixed opinions

Although the Burkini ban is supposed to ensure security and reduce the risk of terrorism, it has met with mixed reactions. Aheda Zanetti, an Australian swimsuit designer, said that women should not be punished for wearing the Burkini, an outfit that represents freedom, fitness and fun.

Moreover, Burkini is not only for Muslims, it can be worn by anyone, regardless of religion, people choose this outfit for the purpose of protecting the skin. Michael Leiter, former Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, said that the Burkini ban could cause division in the country and increase the risk of terrorism.

Protest against the burkini ban in front of the French embassy in London. Photo: Twitter

Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, also a Muslim, condemned the ban: “No one can dictate what women can or cannot wear, these laws must end immediately.”

A protest against the Burkini ban also took place last week at the French embassy in London. About 40 people gathered, wearing Burkinis, and held a beach party right in front of the French embassy. Through this action, the protesters wanted to send a message of solidarity and support to Muslim women - who are considered vulnerable in society.

Legal questions

Amid mounting criticism of the ban, France’s top administrative court ruled last week that the bans were unlawful. They were deemed “a serious and manifestly illegal violation of fundamental freedoms.” However, more than 20 mayors of the cities with bans have said they will still enforce the regulations, with only two, the mayors of Oye-Plages and Eze, agreeing to lift them, leaving the state in a difficult position.

Despite being accused of “playing with fire”, Cannes Mayor David Lisnard has stated that he will maintain his stance, stating that the Burkini is a sign of “Islamization of society”. The above developments have caused the French government to face a major problem in ensuring the rule of law when there is opposition from mayors.

In theory, the government could take action to force mayors to withdraw the bans, and human rights groups have said they would seek action through the courts. But the ban's supporters have stood by their stance, reacting to the court's ruling.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls said France needed a modern society and that wearing the burkini would contradict that idea. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said that while his country did not need the new law, Muslims still needed to continue the process of gender equality.

Business is profitable

Swimsuit designers say the bans have brought more attention to their products. Kausar Sacranie, who sells burkinis under the brand Modestly Active, says her sales have increased by 50% since the product became popular in the media.

In fact, the burkini market has been booming in recent years. British retailer Marks & Spencer said that last year’s remaining burkini inventory had sold out by this summer.

Initially a fashion initiative for Muslim women to be able to swim without violating their rules. However, this fashion product has caused controversy, the seeds of which are from the political, religious or conflict aspects.

This may show that the contradictions and differences between the views of countries and religions are still prominent issues that are not easy to change on a global scale.

Phan Vu