The City of Geneva is debating whether to allow burkinis in the municipal pools.
A Burkini is a swimming costume for women which covers the whole body – especially popular with Muslims, but is also with those who maybe susceptible to skin cancer.
The current rules forbid them. Swimming costumes in Geneva can’t be below the knee and the arms have to be bare.
The main reason is hygiene as smaller costumes will carry less dirt. Some also argue a full body suit makes the swimmer heavier – increasing the risk of drowning and making rescue harder.
Left wing politicians dismiss those worries and say they want everyone to feel comfortable in Geneva.
The City Council will vote again on Monday. If it passes, the Swiss People’s Party say they’ll launch a referendum so the people will have the final say.
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