The Burkini ban in France has prompted fierce debate over the politics of women’s clothing, Islamic culture, and national identity – as well as provoking plenty of Twitter outrage.
Introduced in Cannes, but soon due to be imposed in other areas of France, the ban was justified by Prime Minister Manuel Valls, who argued that the garment was counter to French values and the rights of women.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls says the burkini isn't in line with the values of France. pic.twitter.com/lVOtLLPSqR
— dpa international (@dpa_intl) 17 August 2016
The sentiment was echoed by other commentators, who argue that the burkini – as well as Islamic women’s face coverings – were offensive to women.
.@LouiseMensch: "The burkini & the burka & the full face niqab are grossly offensive garments." pic.twitter.com/yZ7rBiz7I5
— Fox News (@FoxNews) 17 August 2016
But on social media, the ban seemingly provoked more anger and bewilderment than support. Much outrage focused on the arguably oppressive nature of placing legal boundaries on what women can and cannot wear – an issue relevant to those concerned with basic civil liberties.
Ridiculous: French PM shld know better;it isn't a govt's job to dictate to women what they cannot wear,incl burkinihttps://t.co/I6SV4Ny1qi
— Lotte Leicht (@LotteLeicht1) 18 August 2016
There is really no difference between Iran imposing the veil and France banning #burkini. Both are ideological state dictates on women.
— Mustafa Akyol (@AkyolinEnglish) 18 August 2016
Others reflected on the apparent hypocrisy of banning some forms of clothing because they had religious implications – when their secular equivalents were perfectly legal.
#France Just Banned the Burkini & Its Islamophobic History Proves Whyhttps://t.co/uZ6sVXtp8w pic.twitter.com/YRzP1R96b9
— Muslim Girl (@muslimgirl) 17 August 2016
Many, too, pointed out parallels between banning certain expressions of modesty and laws in some Muslim countries which dictate that women have to cover their bodies when appearing in public. Critics of the ban were urged to condemn oppressive laws in other nations – and many did.
The burkini ban is the mirror of Iranian or Saudi rules on veiling. Men dictating women's choices, defining acceptable appearance of bodies.
— Alex von Tunzelmann (@alexvtunzelmann) 19 August 2016
For consistency, those Muslims outraged by the burkini ban in France should urge Saudi to allow women to wear bikinis and uncover their hair
— Khaled Diab (@DiabolicalIdea) 17 August 2016
But much of the conversation focused on the fact that many thought this was not about clothing at all. France has long held an anxiety about losing its cultural identity in the face of immigration. Several commentators regard the burkini ban as an attempt to uphold or enforce ‘Frenchness’ – which values secularism and norms of dress and behaviour – in a changing society.
This is very good: France's burkini ban not about religion and clothing - but identity https://t.co/hd8HKeTgmp pic.twitter.com/zNQXGD0YaF
— Julia Macfarlane (@juliamacfarlane) 19 August 2016
Some tweeted that the ban is a continuation of French colonial policies. France previously ruled much of predominantly Muslim North Africa, and made several attempts to impose French language and culture in the region.
The #burkini ban is just an extension of the French colonial agenda. #Algeria pic.twitter.com/DvDrGtv4gT
— Ιman | ايمان (@ImaniAmrani) 17 August 2016
The ban wasn’t without its supporters, however. Among some – particularly the anti-immigration right in Europe – it was celebrated.
French start enforcing the burkini ban- well done France the UK government can learn from it https://t.co/90bKgfae4U
— David Jones (@DavidJo52951945) 19 August 2016
So far, the participating French cities seem unlikely to back down from their ban – but going by the international reaction, it’s not an imposition that other countries seem likely to adopt anytime soon.
