Geneva bans the burkini

Friday, 20 March 2026 at 06:30

Geneva’s parliament has voted to ban the burkini in public swimming pools, ending months of heated debate.

Lawmakers approved new rules defining only one or two-piece swimsuits above the knee and with bare arms as permitted.

The measure passed 53 to 38, with six abstentions.

Supporters argue pools must remain spaces free from coercion, while opponents call the ban discriminatory and an attack on personal freedom.

The State Council warns the law could face legal challenges, meaning the controversy is far from over.

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