This is the policy poster at a beach in the French town of Lorette ...
While the sign raises several questions on why things like board-shorts or floaties would be banned at the beach, one that stands out the most is the ban on headscarves.
Last year, France's highest administrative court ruled that banning full-body swimsuits, also known as burkinis, is a violation of fundamental liberties. But, that didn't stop Lorette, a town in Central France, from banning full-body swimming suits and headscarves in the town's new leisure park.
The park, which opened on June 23, includes two swimming areas and allows access to the beach.
According to French media outlets, Lorette's mayor Gerard Tardy said that the Town Hall has passed a decree prohibiting people from wearing full-body swimsuits or headscarves at the park.
The Local reports that the Town Hall decree mandates that "burkinis, veils that partially or totally conceal the face are banned" on the beach.
People who do not abide by these rules would be expelled by the security teams.
The decision most significantly affects Muslim women, especially those who wear the Islamic headscarf, as they opt for full-body swimsuits for religious reasons.
"Wanting to ban the veil in this swimming area is an attack on the individual freedom of Muslims," said Aldo Oumouden, the spokesman for the Grande Mosque in a nearby city. "The mayor does not realize that this decision will further increase stigma. It is not only unnecessary but also devastating for community harmony."
Here's how people on social media reacted:
Social media influencer Hend Amry had a lot to say about this
Sad reality: People will be more upset about the dog ban
Even 12-year-olds can see the shameless Islamophobia
Surfing wetsuit VS. Burkini ... spot the difference
The ongoing discrimination is "exhausting", to be honest
Forcing women to expose their bodies is oppression, too
Just let people be!
On another note, what *IS* allowed at this beach?
Designed to help Muslim women enjoy swimming without compromising their modest dress code, the burkini has stirred controversy during the past year.
Last year, several towns in France decided to ban full-body swimsuits. The country's highest administrative court then ruled that the "burkini ban" is illegal and a violation of fundamental liberties.
Rim-Sarah Alouane, a human rights activist and researcher in Public Law, says that while Lorette's decision contradicts the court's ruling, the French government cannot directly intervene to amend the decision. Alouane explains that the latter is a local rule, rather than a national law, that has to be challenged in court.
How French authorities will react to the ban remains to be seen.