The Burkini Ban in France: Controversy and Perspectives

Running head: THE BURKINI BAN IN FRANCE 1
The Burkini Ban in France
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Burkini Ban in France
The article, “The French ban on burkinis at some public beaches" shows that as the
popularity of burkini swimwear started spreading and became popular among the Muslim
population in France, as it became a basis for the harsh controversy which started coming up.
The use of burkinis had previously been eliminated and restricted as the French argued the
burkini violated the country’s secular dress code and weakened the French customs and culture
against being radicalized (Abdelaal, 2016). Furthermore, as the ban took effect by the
intervention of the police and financial sanctions, the controversial issue had spread throughout
the world as various world leaders’ elicited criticism towards the law enacted.
Furthermore, many perceive that the restriction bears a negative impact on France, and
any other country that adopts the ban, as it segregates the Muslim community from the daily
activities of the society that could result to its members being radicalized and increased
involvement in radical events and groups like Al-Qaida. Other states persons submit their
proposals to have religion isolated entirely from the citizen's social life and restricting the use of
burkinis is an excellent way to counter the regressive activities. The heat from limiting burkini
use has escalated hate and attention toward Muslim people, especially the women.
The article, “The French ban on burkinis at some public beaches" by the Editorial Board
from USA Today, speaks about a situation towards Muslim women wearing “burkinis” on the
beach in France and the plan to ban them. The burkini is a swimsuit that covers up their legs,
arms, and hair. It helps them enjoy swimming by enabling the women to cover up and show
modesty. The French police are patrolling the beaches and telling the women to do away with
their burkinis, and if they don’t, they are asked to leave. These were banned in fifteen towns in
France, including Nice and Cannes. One of the top French courts recently overturned on

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prohibiting the burkinis. Besides, it is not the first time that France has tried to ban any Islamic
attire. They have also forbidden headscarves from public schools. Ever since Muslim immigrants
have arrived in France, they have a negative attitude towards them. France believes that religion
should be separated from the national identity altogether. No court should be this cruel towards
one and their faith or what morals they have.
One of the assumptions from the article is that here in America we make use of the First
Amendment to as a basis for actions against religion. It guarantees freedom about religion and
prevents the government from curtailing the rights of one speaking openly. Even if it prevents it
from intervening from people’s religion choice, it can still come back to be conflicting. The
Supreme Court in America is not fighting to have burkinis, hijabs, or burkas to be banned from
here. In addition, just as the article mentioned that America does emphasize the need for the
people who believe in various faiths to pretend to conform to rules they are not able to and still
be observant while being respectful to other religions. Nevertheless, that is not happening
towards the Muslim community. Even if it may have many contradictions, the United States’
way versus the French’s way of forcing secularism is apparently much more suitable. Individuals
have the right to practice what he or she believes in their own homes and any religious
organization.
Every day you hear something on the news about Islamophobia or something related to
that. It is becoming more violent here in the U.S., for example, this week a Muslim woman was
burned to death in New York City because she was wearing a burka, which is a veil that covers
everything including the face. There have also been incidents where people are fighting the
women and trying to remove their masks so their face can be shown. Apparently, our country has
seen and gone through terrorist attacks, but you don’t see our government trying to ban Muslims