Controversy has sparked in France after a French NGO decided to arrange a day at a water park near Marseille for women who wear the Islamic full-cover swimsuit known as “burkini”, while French authorities plan to ban it.

On its Facebook page, Smile 13 announced the organization of the day on Sept. 17 at SpeedWater Park, giving access only to women wearing burkinis, while males above 10 years cannot attend.

The community, which defines itself as “a social, cultural, sporting institution for helping women and children” warns that the aquatic center staff are males and females, so it suggested wearing a bathing suit with a sarong or shorts, but not bikinis.

The idea itself is not illegal, but it is opposed by local mayor, left wing and representatives of the far-right National Front and the Republican Party, who believe that the idea makes no sense and opposes French values.

Michel Amiel, mayor of Pennes-Mirabeau town, told French newspaper Le Parisien that he will veto this decision and refer the matter before the administrative tribunal if the prefect does not support him.

The NGO said it is confident that the day will be eventually arranged, but expressed concerns due to receiving “violent messages” from some opponents. EFE

Paris, Aug 4 (EFE)