French Court Overturns Controversial Burkini Ban on Riviera Beaches

The decree stipulated that the ban on access to beaches for those wearing attire manifesting an ostentatious religious affiliation, such as the burkini, had to be justified by a current and proven risk to public order, according to a press release from the highest administrative court in France. The ban was in effect from June 15 to August 31, 2023, citing hygiene rules, swimming safety, and the risk of public order disturbances.

This year, the Council of State ruled that the decree violated "freedom of movement, freedom of conscience and individual freedom". To support the possible disturbances to public order during the summer of 2023, the city did not mention any recent incidents, referring only to events that occurred in 2012 and 2016, as well as the general context of the terrorist threat after the attacks in Nice in 2016 and 2020.