Bastia Administrative Court Suspends Ban on “Clothing Demonstrating Religious Affiliation” on Beaches in South Corsica

The interim relief judge of the administrative court of Bastia has suspended the ban on clothing displaying religious affiliation on the beaches of Lecci, in South Corsica, according to a press release from the public prosecutor’s office, received by France Bleu RCFM.

This municipal decree, issued on August 7 by the mayor of the commune, Don Georges Gianni, had been suspended following a referral by the Human Rights League.

In the court’s press release, the court considers this decision “illegal” and claims that the ban “seriously and unlawfully infringes on freedom of movement, freedom of conscience and personal freedom”.

Such a ban, according to the court, must be justified by a “current and proven risk to public order”while the reasons given by the municipality are described as “irrelevant”The mayor explained his approach by a context of terrorist threat, a climate of international tension in addition to the state of emergency, and “compliance with hygiene or safety rules”.