By Germany has been at the forefront of international news throughout the past year due mainly to the country’s acceptance of nearly 1 million Syrian refugees, most of which are Arab Muslims.
So naturally, it comes as a shock to learn that a country recognized for being so welcoming of Muslims has purposed – and successfully passed – a ban on attire traditionally worn by them.
The decision to officially ban the Islamic burkini at a public swimming pool in Neutraubling last week came after complaints were made about one Muslim woman’s clothing by other pool-goers.
Reports of the incident stated that nearby female bathers became visibly upset and found the sight of the full-body suit to be both offensive and inappropriate.
Mayor Heinz, who shares the same favorable view on the ban as the townspeople, commented with:
“Why the burkini as a full-body suit would be necessary to wear during a women’s swim day is for me incomprehensible. Only generally typical apparel is to be worn.”
Typical apparel being of course, itsy bitsy bikinis, right Mr. Mayor? *eyeroll*
But what exactly is ‘typical apparel’ for swimming? Isn’t it what a person feels most comfortable in? Each individual chooses what is appropriate (in most cases) for their body type and surroundings, so why aren’t Muslim women granted that same freedom of choice?
Are we really supposed to believe Germans, or anyone in Europe for that matter (we’ve all seen what some wear, or don’t wear, at beaches over there) are truly disturbed by some excess clothing?
Sure it’s possible, but highly unlikely.
The Muslim community throughout Europe is becoming more aware that these attempts to prohibit basic parts of their religion speak greatly to growing dissatisfaction with their presence.
France has also expressed discontent with Muslims who don’t “properly assimilate,” and in 2004, the country moved forward with a ban on all religious attire worn in public. Muslim women living there have since been subjected to threats and government fines as punishment.
But not everybody is trying to prohibit Muslims from following their faith. Humans rights groups throughout Germany were outraged by the decision to ban the burkini and declared it a “clear violation of fundamental rights.”
Additionally, the Pope has recently called on France to lift the hijab ban in an effort to acknowledge Muslims as part of the diverse French community.
Perhaps the motivation behind Germany’s burkini ban isn’t so personal after all. Recent incidents of refugees attempting to swim in their underwear – an act which has also since been banned – may have sparked this immediate decision, however many still have their doubts.
Despite all the recent positive attention the media has awarded Germany and its leaders for their refugee status, it’s clear not all people living there are ready to welcome Muslims with such open arms.
How is this discrimination ? You are not allowed in the pool with full clothing, for sanitary reasons. Why would that change ? Because you believe that a guy said so 1500 years ago ? Freedom of religion is a basic human right, but forcing a country to change it’s laws to accommodate your beliefs is ridiculous.
But they did not ban them based on scientific evidence that it is unsanitary, they banned them because people were offended.
if i went to saudi or kuwait and swam in a ”itsy bit bikini ”. muslim women would be GRIEVOUSLY offended. so save it muslimahs.
Well those are actually real swimsuits made of similar material to any bikini or any other swimwear, so not regular clothing. Also, people didn’t want the law to change to accommodate their religion– the law never stated they could or couldn’t wear such a thing, until of course they did put a ban. So, actually, the law was reformed to accommodate those offended, not those following their beliefs.
France never banned all religious attire in public. In 2004, it banned conspicuous religious symbols in government-operated schools at the primary and secondary level (not in universities), meaning small objects e.g. small crosses, Stars of David and Fatima’s hands are allowed.
Accepting new country You have to accept new rules which exist in this country . So why women from Europa ,US or similar countries can not go by own rules visiting or living in islamic countries ??
more islamic hypocrisy by the author.
1. the bigger issue question is would any muslim nation warmly welcome a million christians from lets say africa in one fell swoop?
.2. would they let non muslim women wear their ”itsy bitsy bikinis” at their pools in saudi ,kuwait,etc ………ur guess is as good as mine.