Cannes bans burkini-style swimsuits

The French resort of Cannes has banned full-body, head-covering swimsuits from its beaches, citing security reasons — a measure some have criticised as an anti-Muslim move that worsens religious tensions.

The ban on so-called burkinis comes as France remains on edge after Islamic extremist attacks on Nice and on a Catholic church in north-west France.

Cannes mayor David Lisnard issued an ordinance in late July forbidding beachwear that does not respect “good morals and secularism”.