I think there should be an alternative suit. Hygiene is a good argument. This should be a market for sports wear companies.

I think its pathetic banning it, if a woman wants to wear it, let her...n it can also be used by women of other religion who don't wanna reveal their bodies.

I don't understand the hygiene argument. I mean, which is worse? The ropes that leave nothing to the imagination or these burqinis? Personally I'll go in for a one-piece swimsuit that doesn't reveal much but that doesn't cover everything. That doesn't mean everyone should fit into my choice range

there is many religions on the world. So they are all same, but there can be difference between them, that makes it special. So, there can be borders between the countries but there has to be no borders between religions. Because the religions are open for all people. A muslim doesn't have to wait from a christian to be like him/her, and a christian doesn't have to wait from a muslim to be like him/her. They have to meet in the middle. So That was not a good action in France, there is many muslim french people in France,too. Being democracy can not be lived with the words,it can be lived with the life. I wish for a better world...

I am an American living in France since 13 years. My 7 year old son cannot wear his surfing shorts to the pool due to dress regulations (men & boys must wear speedo-type suits), why should anyone be permitted to enter the pool fully clothed? This is not at all an issue of race or culture, this is a health issue.

The hygiene argument doesn't hold. A swim suit that covers all your body can only be more hygenic than one which does cover anything.
And if the issue is with women rights, why not let each and everyone of those women make their own choice. Banning the Burqini for anything else than hygiene is like the government telling women not to wear skirts or jeans.

People should be free to do whatever they like as long as it does not infringe of the liberties and rights of others. This is a fundamental value in the west, and I don't understand why it is being selectively upheld.

As for the health issue, these swimsuits are especially made from the right material for swimming.

This is not traditional swimwear. In French pools, you must wear the usual swimwear. Why are they wearing this? If you want to swim covered-up, go to the ocean or some outside swimming area that doesn't require a minimum of hygiene. Do they swim like that in islamic countries?? Next time I go do laps in a French pool, I'm going to swim with my bath towel around me and I'm going to bring my large amounts of cloth to wash in the pool.

People's main argument is one sided: freedom to women who want to wear it. While they don't realize that there is also a "freedom to women who don't want to wear it" which is at stake. People fail to realize that women born from Muslim families are taught since little that when they grow up they will wear a burka, where is the freedom there? They do have a choice too. And while it is not mentioned in the Quran anywhere, perhaps banning it will raise the awareness of this choice and how one sided this issue is.

I hope France realises that their prejudice toward the Muslim community and misplaced intention to liberate women from so-called opression is turning into exactly that – discrimination and opression. What happened to freedom of choice?
Is France a country that only tolerates those who conform to a certain lifestyle and way of dress?
This sounds like Iran, Afghanistan and similar countries. Government regulation of the female body for no important or logical reason is wrong.

Swim suit and sports wear companies can create suits that are both hygienic and acceptable, so I really don't see what they are concerned about.

I would be ashamed to call myself French if this is passed.

i don't get this",if you are in Rome , do as the Romans do". It is the hypocrisy and political correctness of the western ideology that allows room for this foolishness . This is a secular system that believes in absolute freedom, get down, get over, get with the program or go elsewhere. simple.

I'm sorry but WHY is this a hygiene issue??? I don't get that. However, I think banning the burqini is bordering on ridiculous!! Who cares what the woman wears? She's not harming anyone and it's her choice to wear it.

If I want to swim with a shopping bag around me, who's to stop me? it's different going into a Muslim country and walking around wearing a bikini. But France isn't exactly known for its 'modesty'. I don't see why this is even an issue. Let it go and let the woman wear whatever she wants. It's not MY choice of clothing but who's to say that we all have to do/wear the same thing??

Regarding your guests reference to Gallup Polls and the – purportedly "voluntary" wearing of the Burqua: does this poll include Muslim women intereviewed only with the permission/in the presence of their brothers/husbands – understanding that an "offence to the family" will result in death or genital mutilation?

hmmm...

I think that we should be fair. Go to any public or community swimming pool in Washington, DC, I know of are there will be clear and firm written dressing rules banning people from entering the pool dressed head to toe. A US expert describing the respective French authorities as hypocritical for denying access to the pool to a lady dressed head-to-toe dressed is hypocritical herself - or entirely detached from everyday life. Similarly, in many states of the US a law is applied on what is a decent bathing suit and what is not (e.g. monokini), and so it is in many other countries. Hala's reference to Saudi Arabia mandating a dress code was also very appropriate: indeed, there are Saudi citizens, who would prefer to dress differently but are severely sanctioned for any such attempt, we know it for a fact. In short, there are all kinds of dress codes applied around the world, and often sanctioned by the society, based on prevailing social and cultural values of that society, incl. hygienic ones. We should acknowledge it as a fact, it is not a French issue.

Maybe they should ban those Fastskin's swimsuits that top competitive swimmers wear. There is just a little more tissue on these women swimsuits.

Regarding French insesitivity, even arrogance, toward non-French culture; I think the General Delegation on the French Language should be banned as racist and nationalistic. The French Culture Ministry shuld be brought before the Hauge for crimes against humanity. The French should be more like truly pluralistic America; and eat more McDonalds and drink more Mad Dog 2020;)

...and in these polls with women who prefer to wear Burq-whatevers, do they consider women who wear bikinis, prostitutes? or just "infidels"?

If they wanna wear it, why not. but i like to see nature as nature. nothing wrong appreciating beautiful bodies.

I am schocked... it seems like French don't have enough problems to solve... After the debate on banning or not the burqa in the street, they now turn to think if a burqini has to be banned from the swimming pools. It's simply pathetic!

JMH
Do you think women who are forced to wear burqas are going to be better off by being banned from swimming pools?
And do you honestly believe that all Muslims view western women as prostitutes and infidels? And that all Muslim women that wear these are forced to...
How sad and colorless the world must seem to you....

If the French government was concerned about the freedom of women it could have increased awareness on freedom to choose issues among those who need it. Women, men, families. A change of attitudes can change things, banning those they claim to protect from the public sphere cannot and only makes things worse.
To me it sounds like they don't like what they see so they just make laws to make it go away. Out of sight, out of mind. How intolerant and etnocentric can you get?
But hey, maybe feminism got it wrong, maybe forcing women to conform to certain dress codes might just be what women needed all along. Oh, wait, isn't that what you were objecting to in the first place? 😛

What does this have to do with women or religion? I mean its a simple rule that applies to anyone that wants to swim in the pool. The rule states a clear dress code, which is applicable to everyone. Its simple, if you cant stick to the dress code, you cant swim, period! But you have to go and make it a religious and womens issue. I mean common!
We have dress codes when we go to school, courts, places of worship........ will you start complaining about these as well? Follow the rules and stop this nonsense!

is like clown

I dont understand some of the moslems women, why they want to take captive old epoch, those model R more attention to people ...

why they dont want to be like men FREE ....

they R / have crazy brain

and I agree with >>Bella <<

Its France! If they dont want burqas there is a reason behind it. French cant walk around in bikinis where burqas are worn. Why not reciprocracy?
As they say when in Rome...

Ps; Please CNN keep Terry Badu and his great sence of humour. Makes the day that much better. 🙂

JL

It is an issue because it is a publicly funded institute, which means that anyone who pay taxes has the right to use it.

At this time when people are suffering from different problems I don't know why French Government is creating a fuss about a dress. If you claim that your country is secular then prove it cuz just saying and shouting in favor of secularism wont work. What is the problem with this dress? NONE.

So let it be what she wants to use. How would you find it if government of Dubai stops you from wearing bikini at beach? Stop creating differences please. Muslims, Christians plus Jews should come close (which I know is impossible at the moment)

I totally agree with Alper's comment. If this world had more people like Alper it would have been a peaceful and calmer place.

Thanks.

How sad and silly this is? So much misinformation is being written.

Most Muslim women choose voluntarily to wear body covering clothes, they are not forced by men. Most Muslim women are more religious than their men.

As for bigotted talk from those who still don't know that "INFIDEL" is in fact the word used by The French to denote all those who are not Christians at the start of The Crusades.

France has proved itself a bigotted nation, just like its leader.

Lucky enough french government, it can keep jumping over and over on some personal choice under the name of the 'freedom' to not face the real problem facing any government which is how to make life better for all its citizen by means of good economy and education and so on .. !

But when we are not able to face the real problem, the easy way is to choose a wrong subject to keep on going!

hopefully muslim may have a good knowledge to not be used in this type of games !

All places have rules-even "free societies"! All games have rules!

If you can't follow the rules you can't play the game !!! It's that simple!

If you don't like the local rules, then you need to go someplace where the rules are different !!! It's that simple !!!

If you want to live in a place where there are no rules-try Somalia-you can make your own rules there!

these suits are great alternative if you are ugly, i'm thinking of buying, where can i get one? Dubai?

Thank you Filipe and thank you French government.

I live in a muslim country and believe me women fully cloths are not allowed in the swimming pools here either.

As you mentioned there are rules in every country and one should obey them simple as that.
If those women in Europe do not like the way they are treated well they can come to live in Iran / Afghanistan or.... were they will have many rights as a women where you will be prisoned or killed for even questioning matters.

An maybe the same women should come and see and stand for how women are treated in countries such as Iran , Egypt, Lebanon ,.....

What I do not understand is why as muslim women we are not turning our attention into how women are treated firstly in Muslim countries . Hijab is the least of issue that women have to face. There are many WOMEN’S Issue / Right in majority of Islamic countries.

The problem we women like me face in the battle of change is with men / government and sadly mostly women themselves.
So many women either have an idea what rights they deserve or they choose to turn a blind eye on the matter. And keep comparing women’s right at this day and age to other cultures in Asia or 1500 years ago.

Here are just a few :

1) Women treated as half a man in legal cases. In legal matters the testimony of two women is equal to one men mens testimony

2) Girls being married as young as 9 years by their parent to men 2 to 3 times their age.

3) Men being able to legally have more than one wife. In this day and age with so many sexually transmitted diseases. Yet a women will be stoned to death if she did the same thing.

4) If a father / brother or a family member kills a their daughter / sister he would be going to jail for only few years because it is justed as
” Honor Killing” and that is if you have a judge who is pro females

5) Women not being allowed to drive in Saudi.

6) Women not being able to get a passport until their father / Husband / male memeber of a family signs on it.

7) Women still being stones to death at this day

8)Women not legally allowed to ask for a divorce and if she does get a divorce it is out of the kindness of a men she is divorcing if she would get her kids

9)Women not being allowed to be Judges , Presidents or… Example is what happened to Binazir Butto.

10) In case of Inheritance again women face many issues compared to the male counterpart.

11) Women have to be virgins when married and if not again they would face many danger. Yet now one ever tests men or that they have to be virgins when they get married.

12) Burning down girls school in Afghanistan.

These are just a few form top of my head that I can recall and I am sure if you look into legal matters carefully they are many other issues.

The French government's argument about hygiene simply doesn't stand. The so-called "burqini" is made of the same material as a normal swimsuit, only it covers more of the body. Swimmers should be upheld to the same standard as everyone else by having to shower before entering the pool. If the suit is only used for swimming and is washed, how can it be more unhygienic? If anything, it is more hygienic, but covering more of the body.

In the recent published articles about this issue, the French government sites the burqa as a sign of oppression. How that is linked to a woman going out of her home to swim in a public pool and be physical active I don't understand. If anything, the burqini should be a symbol of modern times, demonstrating that Muslim women are just as modern as western women, while choosing to adhere to a standard of modesty upheld by their faith. Contrary to popular belief, except in a few countries where extreme governments rule, Muslim women choose to wear headscarves and to conceal their bodies from the public eye.

That thought may be hard to get your head around for some, however 3 years ago I never would have thought I would consciously choose to dress this way. My views have changed, I converted to Islam as a young American woman, and feel more than liberated by my decision to cover my body. In a world where bodies are used to sell consumer products, where women are regularly abused and raped, not to mention gawked at by men and subject to regular physical critique, why shouldn't a women be allowed to choose a style of dress that veils her from that kind of exposure and allows her to be treated solely for who she is?

Whether you choose to live the way another person does or to adhere to his or her beliefs, you should accept the validity of other ways of life. This is what the west is famous for, and for once I am glad that I live in a country that upholds religious freedom. I have had no problems swimming in my local pool, and have only received positive feedback about my swimming attire, which I purchased recently after experiencing months of chronic pain due to a prolapsed disc and having found no other form of exercise that would not exacerbate my condition.

Which brings up a point that others have also mentioned–what about the woman who wishes to cover a scar, who has sun-sensitive skin or who wants to hide her figure? France seems to have made no distinction between the burqa and the burqini, without acknowledging that it is a choice, that personal freedom is at stake, and not just that of the Muslim, but of any citizen to protect one's personal beliefs and right to dignity. They've made it out to by a hygiene issue, when the reality is that they can't stand the visual evidence of cultural and religious manifestations which they seem to have little tolerance for.

Jasmine from Iran seems to use the exceptions to prove the general:

1) Most Muslim women in Islamic countries do Drive

2) Most Muslim women do net get beaten or killed. This is simply a lie.

3) Most Muslim women choose voluntarily to wear the Abaya and Hijab

4) Versus western countries many Muslim women receive ownership of assets by their husbands while in the West, the woman has to battle out in court.

5) Unlike Western women, Muslim women do not have to be degraded and change their last name when they get married. They keep their identity.

6) As for Virginity, this is part of Islam that no one should have sex outside marriage, it's the religion itself that demands it and not a male issue.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) may I remind you married his first wife who was divorced.

7) A number of Islamic countries have had women as cabinet members and leaders. Benazir's death had nothing to do with her being a women.

If you can't at least get the truth correct then what do you know.

If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything.

I do not appreciate it when people when arguing women's right in Islam they compare it to what women's right in lets say Christianity 1500 years ago. Pre Islam Women in Middle East where treated as where animals. So for Islam to come and give women right to exist as a Human was a Major development and I am almost certain if Islam had come at this day women would have had rights that where more advance that what we can even imagine

As a women we can't compare our current rights to that of 1500 years ago. And we can't be happy when men compare our rights to what was then and think that we should not complain . We need our right to be that of the 21 century or even more advance.

Nick here is my answers to your comments:

1- Women can not drive in Saudi and this is a fact
2- I did not say that Muslim women get bitten I mentioned that legally if a muslim women is bitten or killed by family member for having a relationship with a man. Then it is looked as HONOR KILLING and legally serve a very short sentence. This is fact in majority of Arab Countries such as Jordan , Saudi, .......
3- In countries such as Iran , Afghanistan and Saudi women are forced to wear the Hijab. And in many other countries they are forced to wear it because of their families. A Muslin girl is Canada was killed by her father since she did not want to wear HIJAB.
4- Women in Muslin countries DO NOT GET ASSET FREELY GIVEN TO THEM. First of all she can't even get a divorce unless her husband gives her a divorce. And you know what many Muslim have done in Iran or KSA they do not give divorce to her and just go marry some one else and leave the first wife and children. This has happened to many females that I know.
5- As for virginity yes it is required by Islam before marriage for both men and women. I never have in my life seen Muslim Men being tested or even required to be virgins. But women have to face invasive tests . Reality versus the Notion of Islam
6- Women in western world do not have to change their name they Choose to. I have many western friends who did not change their name after marriage. When a Muslim women married she goes from being a property of her father / Brother to that of her husband legally.
In Iran and some other Islamic countries a women need approval from her husband / father. Without permission slip they can't leave a country.

7- How many muslim countries can you name with female presidents / prime minister. They are few cabinet members in Iran but they are not even shown in the coverage of the senate in TV. Oh and they have no voice they are just decorations to show the masses that they do care about females

Please do travel to Muslim countries and visit some court cases where women are involved or visit Hospitals or you can simply research with the great tool of INTERNET

Creating more clothes to isolate people into groups is a bad thing. I think it should be banned.

Layla,

These cloths have been created for centuries by men to isolate female population from society and workplace. This is done very cunningly so that women would depend on men on their basic needs for centuries. Lets be honest when a women is wearing a Burka her financial and career options are very limited. Most likely she would be married of by her family at a very young age. So over all the removing of Burka and Hijab means women being able to go out and see and experience the world like a Men would. So I am not sure if men are ready to give up such a power.
I would like to see men one day just try the Hijab / Burka for just a month especially in the month of summer in many muslim countries when it gets over 35 degrees.

Yes i agree with you Jasmine. Covering the hair doesnt protect women from men's bad thoughts so we should imprison ourselves because its useless, banning this practise in my view is the best option. I live in Australia but not enough is being done about it unfortunately. If a vote is done I will be the first to vote against it.

When I first heard of the burqini I thought it was an AMAZING idea. I don't own one because it’s difficult to get a hold of. No store I know of in my city sells it and I don’t buy things online. But I love the idea of it. The burqini isn't a burqa just so we're clear. Personally I wear my hijab with long sleeved shirts and a skirt/ or a long shirt of pants. I do occasionally wear the abaya to tell you the truth out of convenience. I mean I can sit around the house in jeans and a T. and simply throw the abaya on overtop and not have to go through all my things. I can never decide on what to wear. Anyway back to the point. I love the idea of the burqini because it solves a problem I’ve had 2 deal with. I like swimming but you can’t take a denim skirt into a pool. Generally I’d look into strictly female swim times at community centres. Or get together with a large group and rent the use of a pool. Anyway the burqini would really simplify things for me is what I’m trying to say. And about women being pressured into dressing modestly that isn't nearly as comment as some people seem to assume. The Muslim community is so incredibly diverse it is impossible to make any generalization. Oh and it might surprise you but the abaya is made out of a very breathable material and isn't hot. I’ve been asked about that so often that I just thought id mention it. I’ve even had too look down and be sure I was wearing it on more than one occasion. The abaya is actually very versatile. Canada’s winters can get very cold in which case a thick turtle neck and pair of jeans are perfect beneath the abaya. In the summer I can wear shorts and a tank top underneath. Sorry if this was a little confusing to read I just have so much to say on the topic I’m not even sure where to start. But I want it 2 be understood I dress the way I do to please god and no man. Don’t take away my right to dress the way I do because you feel I’m forced to dress this way. don't tell me I’m subjected to oppression and when I tell you I’m not retort that I’m brainwashed. That is infuriating! I’m sick of the claim that we're all brainwashed into accepting oppression. That just means you get to bypass any criticism and not treat us as equals when you're saying we deserve to be treated as equals. That is just so hypocritical.

Naiema,

Don't live in Canada and say that you have same rights as a muslim men. Live in a Muslim country and then you see how you are not treated as equal to me by the legal system.

Come and live in Iran, Saudi or Afghanistan or pakistan and then we will see if you still think you are treated equally.

Not when you have the Luxury of living in a western world and the human and women right and think that if you just wear Hijab and pray you have done all.

"Not when you have the Luxury of living in a western world and the human and women right and think that if you just wear Hijab and pray you have done all."
Do you know me, I mean anything about me. You don't so don't tell me what I do and what I think.

"Come and live in Iran, Saudi or Afghanistan or Pakistan..." you do realise those aren't the only Muslim countries don't you. The incredible thing about Islam is how inclusive it is. By constantly focusing on these few countries you’re completely ignoring the many other countries with large Muslim populations. And why would I choose Iran Saudi or Afghanistan just because their Muslim. I don't know anyone in any of those countries or have any ties to them. Back to my point, there are so many other Muslim countries in the world but all I hear about is the laws in a few particular countries. Try taking off your blinders the world is a lot bigger than you seem to assume. And as far as I’m concerned under Islam I have my rights anywhere I am. The country that imposes laws on me that take away any god given right is directly contradicting Islamic teaching. Just because the head of the country is Muslim doesn't mean everything they say or do is right. Politics is an ugly game but it appears as though some choose to use whatever methods available to have things their way. Besides you brought up Canada. I just wanted to point out that one isolated incident doesn't mean that all Muslim girls wear hijab because they fear what their parents might do. In fact the majority of Muslim girls choose to wear the hijab. it may not always be the case but its not nearly as common as you would lead others to assume. Jasmine I understand that you don't like the way things are in your country I understand that in some ways you are trying to make improvements, to women’s rights in particular but two wrongs don't make a right. .. But what I don't understand is why you think you know what I deserve better than I do. . If I say I want to wear the hijab what gives you or anyone else the right to ban it. Personally I think you’re well intentioned but misguided. Do me a favour; don’t try any of those hypocritical retorts that allow you to completely by pass my argument. For example "you just agree because you brainwashed" is popular. hmm yes I’m completely oppressed and not allowed to have my opinion so when I give my opinion you just tell me I’m brainwashed and that isn't my opinion. That’s not only offensive it's lazy on the part of whoever makes the argument. Oh and you just now ignored everything I said and merely made an attempt to discredit me.

What is wrong with Europe and North America governments for allowing such fanatics live in their country and actually get citizenship. They hate you and what you stand for so why do you continue to let them live on your soils. I am shocked and discussed when i travel to North America or Europe and see so many women in Burkas and men with beard up to their belly. WHY WHY?
These people are dangerous and are multiplying each year in your lands and growing with your benefits while they are plotting against you.

The recent three caught in England are just a few I am sure if you dig more you will find more. Imagine if they were able to achieve their goals.

I know the west thinks that they are democratic countries and they should allow free practice of belief of other religions. But where do you stop. What about Honor killing , getting girls married under age and many many more.
Are you going to allow this as well in your nations. Where does it
stop ?
Fantaticism of ANY Religion should not be allowed in Western countries. If people want to be fanatics they can always go and live in nations that nurture such destructive behaviors.

If you do not nip this in the Bud soon your great nations will turn into Islamic nations and other third world belief. How do you think so many countries are now Islamic nations? Be careful

Jasmine from Iran said:

"If you do not nip this in the Bud soon your great nations will turn into Islamic nations and other third world belief. How do you think so many countries are now Islamic nations? Be careful"

This comment suggests that your problem is not with the burkini, your problem is Islam itself, you dont want it to spread. I find it hard to believe that your are of islamic or even iran origin.

The problem is enforcing our lifestyle in a non-islamic country, here i would say yes the west has its rights to ban weird things.

Whatever we say here will not change the world, and in future it would be better to just answer the question which is "Do you agree with the decision to ban "burqinis" from French public swimming pools?"

My answer is yes.

jasmine your problem has nothing to do with the burqini. you have simpleminded onesided views on islam as a whole. you look at a very diverse group of people from all over the world as one single threataning block. nothing i or any other person says can reach you when your determined to filter everything you hear through your prejudices. and why is my previous comment still "awaiting moderation" when two other coments have since apeared. jasime you need to stop trying to create breading grounds for hate and discrimination. or you could indulge in your conspiracy theories a little longer and sound less and less credible. even layla who seems to agree with your way of thinking has pointed out your very obvious prejudices. and in reply to layla's comment "The problem is enforcing our lifestyle in a non-islamic country, here i would say yes the west has its rights to ban weird things." whose trying to do that. dressing in a way that makes a woman comfterable won't force others to change their way of dress. well unless they are ridicoulously open to suggestion. and saying the west can ban anything they think is weird is heading down a slipery slope. whose to say they can't then decide any other mode or dress or behaviour is weird . no one person or group can tell me what i can and can't wear. my hijab is between me and god alone. and in response to “Do you agree with the decision to ban “burqinis” from French public swimming pools?” NO

Layla & Naima,

I am a Muslim Iranian and I have lived and studied in Iran , Bahrain, Egypt, Germany, Switzerland & Canada.
I have friend from all religions and nationalities and many times they have either married people from other nations or Faiths.
In University I minored in Theology, Women Studies , History and Socialogy and majored in Psychology.
I have done many reseach in the field of Women and not just Muslim women. However : I am interested in Muslim Women's right in History is because it is closest to my heart.
Injustice toward women exist in various level around the world. But as I mention my concern is " OUR RIGHT AS A WOMEN"

my comment was in response to your most recent post. "What is wrong with Europe and North America governments for allowing such fanatics live in their country and actually get citizenship. They hate you and what you stand for so why do you continue to let them live on your soils. "
this is only an example. the over all message would lead some to believe that the west is a hot bed for Islamic extremism, that we're wolves in sheep’s clothing. these views undermine efforts by everyday Muslims to be positive members of the community. and for the most part we are. our opinions may differ in terms of politics and that’s normal. but i hope we can continue this discussion without any further finger pointing or negative generalizations. I’ll admit my response was reactionary. I may have gone a bit to far in my comments towards you. I can dislike what you say without going after you as a person. In fact I should because I haven’t ever met you. Being an activist and fighting for women’s rights is a noble thing. I do respect your efforts but would like to suggest in the future you contemplate whether your actions (while well meaning) may in certain circumstances cause more harm then help .

Can I wear a turban shaped like a bomb in the pool?
It's part of my religion...

Let's get back to the issue at hand: if my 7 year old son cannot wear surfer shorts in French public pools for reasons of hygiene , then why should anyone be allowed to enter that pool fully-clothed? This is a question of consistency, not racism.

The "usual" swimwear in the 1600's was your night gown – you know, those big over-flowing dresses?

If people are so worried about hygiene – why do they go swimming at the beach where whales let loose thousands of tons of sperm and feces. Not to mention the surrounding fish and crustaceans and the large amount of people who take a leak hourly.

How's that for your hygiene? I rather be wearing a burqini then exposing myself to the impurities of the imagination.

Oh and regarding the pool "rules"... a burqini is not normal clothing. It's specially made for swimming – different fibers, chlorine safe, quick drying, and made for extra UV protection.

So I would not call it "clothing in the pool".

It seems to me one would die of heat stroke in one of these things.