French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has thrown his support behind controversial burkini beach bans.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has thrown his support behind controversial burkini beach bans.
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But speaking to newspaper La Provence, he ruled out legislating on the matter.
The mayors behind the municipal bans say the Muslim swimwear – which leaves only the face, hands and feet exposed – defies French laws on secularism.
It is a particularly sensitive issue in France, in the wake of deadly attacks by Islamist militants.
Mediterranean towns - including Cannes, Villeneuve Loubet and Sisco on the island of Corsica have barred the burkini – and Le Touquet is planning to do the same.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls says the burkini isn't in line with the values of France. pic.twitter.com/lVOtLLPSqR
— dpa international (@dpa_intl) 17 August 2016
While it defends the moves, the French government is calling on mayors to try and cool tensions between communities.
A group against Islamophobia has already said that it will challenge the burkini bans in the courts.
France, which has the largest Muslim minority in Europe, already forbids full-face niqab and burqa veils in public.