2nd LD Writethru: France's top administrative court suspends burkini ban

The Council of State, France's highest administrative court, on Friday suspended a ban on full-body Muslim swimsuits in Villeneuve-Loubet, south France that has fuelled political debate and allegations of racism and stigmatization.

The French Human Rights League and the French Council of the Muslim Faith had earlier appealed the decision by the southern town to ban the burkini.

"In Villeneuve-Loubet, there is no element showing that risks to public order have resulted from some people's swimming suits," the court said, adding that "in the absence of such risks, the mayor could not take a measure prohibiting access to the beach and swimming."

The court also stressed that the anti-burkini decree "seriously, and clearly illegally, breached the fundamental freedoms to come and go, the freedom of beliefs and individual freedom."

In mid-August, mayors of dozens of coastal towns imposed the ban on wearing the burkini which leaves only the face, hands and feet uncovered. The ban came into effect after a brawl between Muslim families and a group of young Corsicans in Sisco.

Adbdallah Zekri, secretary general of the French Council of the Muslim Faith, hailed "a sensible decision" and a "victory of wisdom which favors living together in our country."

Florian Philippot, vice president of far-right National Front, wrote on Twitter: "Faced with a weak Council of State, now lawmakers have to be responsible and prohibit this clothing of apartheid."

The court will prepare a definitive ruling expected to set a legal precedent for other towns banning the burkini on their beaches. Endit