A burkini is a full-body swimsuit that covers everything except the face, hands and feet.
The full-body swimwear is preferred by some Muslim women.
The name is a mix of the words “burka” and “bikini”. However, unlike burkas, burkinis do not cover the face.
Burkinis are marketed to Muslim women as a way for them to swim in public while adhering to strict modesty edicts.
France’s bans on burkini have referred to religious clothing and as they were loosely phrased, came to be understood to include full-length clothing and head coverings worn on the beach – not just burkini swimsuits.
In 2010, France became the first European country to ban the full-face veil in public.
A 2004 law forbids the wearing of religious emblems in schools and colleges.
The 1905 constitution aims to separate Church and state. It enshrines secularism in education but also guarantees the freedom of religion and freedom to exercise it. The original text made no reference to clothing.
