France’s highest administrative court has upheld a nationwide ban on the wearing of “burkini” swimming costumes in public pools.

Authorities in Grenoble had challenged the ban on the full-body swimsuit, which is typically worn by some Muslim women to uphold their faith.

The city’s municipal council had sparked nationwide controversy in May when it relaxed its rules on the swimwear allowed in public pools.

But the French Conseil d’Etat said on Tuesday allowing the burkini would “undermine the principle of neutrality of public services”.

Grenoble mayor Eric Piolle has argued that people using public services, such as swimming pools, should be allowed to dress as they please.

But opponents said the policy violated France’s core secular value that religion cannot be used to inform decisions or policies.

Judges at the Conseil d’Etat ruled in favour of the Isere prefecture and confirmed that the new swimwear regulations in Grenoble had only aimed “to satisfy a religious demand”.

“The very specific derogation made …is likely to affect the proper functioning of the public service and the equal treatment of users,” the court said.

more at euronwes.com