The History Behind Cannes Banning the Burkini

It came to light last week that the mayor of Cannes, David Lisner, had issued an ordinance in late July barring women from wearing “burkinis,” or full-body swimsuits, on the city’s beaches through the end of August. Burkinis, which cover the wearer save for the hands, feet, and face, are sported by some Muslim women who wish to remain modest while swimming. Transgressors risk a €38 fine ($42).

Lisner claimed that burkinis are a “symbol of Islamic extremism” and are “not respectful of good morals and secularism.” Such a ban and such statements are, on the surface, largely linked to terrorism, particularly the recent attacks in Paris, Nice, and northwest France. These attacks have led France to declare a state of emergency through at least January 2017.