The French government can not implement a nationwide anti-Muslim swimsuit ban, as such a law would be “unconstitutional and ineffective”, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said.
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Critics of the bans have said they unfairly targeted Muslims in the wake of deadly terrorist attacks in France and elsewhere in Europe.
It would be “unconstitutional” for France to pass a law banning the burkini and such a move could cause irreparable harm, Cazeneuve warned.
He spoke after a day-long conference with Muslim leaders, professionals and some lawmakers to try to mount a project meant to bind Muslims to the nation, a task given new urgency after deep divisions surfaced over burkini bans in 30 French beach towns and after extremist attacks that also stigmatized Muslims.
The Muslim community however, still maintains that their marginalization is being laced in with propaganda rhetoric.
However, Cazeneuve said Muslims must “continue to engage with us over gender equality, the inviolate nature of the principles of the French Republic, and tolerance in order to live together in peace”. The specific case forced the mayor in the riviera town of Villeneuve-Loubet to remove the decree.
The government also previously banned Muslim headscarves and other “conspicuous” religious symbols in French schools in February 2004. But more than 20 mayors from other southern towns, which were expected to comply from the precedent set by the court, have ignored its decision.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy who said he is to run again in the 2017 general elections, on Friday called for a state-wide ban on burkinis.
But Cazeneuve’s comments suggest such a law was unlikely under the current socialist government.
Obviously we welcome the decision by the court, Secretary General Ban Ki-moons chief spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, who had expressed concern about the burkini ban, said at a news briefing, emphasizing the need for peoples personal dignity to be respected..
The row centres on France’s secular principles, but the debate appears to have been hijacked for political gain.
The two women were preparing to enjoy a family picnic in Nice when a police boat headed towards them and told them to leave.
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And in London on Thursday, demonstrators created a makeshift beach outside the French Embassy for a “Wear what you want beach party”.
