Geneva communes fight swimsuit law

Burkini - file image

Four more Geneva communes — Meyrin, Carouge, Lancy and the City of Geneva - have filed a legal challenge against the canton's new swimsuit law.

The law restricts swimwear to garments above the knee with bare arms, effectively banning UV-protection swimwear in public pools. 

The communes argue this contradicts public health goals, since UV-protective clothing is recognised as a way to prevent skin cancer. 

They follow Vernier, which lodged its own appeal earlier this month, arguing the law is vague and unenforceable. 

Originally a Swiss People's Party proposal targeting burkinis, the text was broadened by the cantonal parliament and the Council of State itself said it breached individual freedom and communal autonomy.

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