A lively controversy shakes the town of Le Bourget (Seine-Saint-Denis). The mayor, Jean-Baptiste Borsali (DVD), is accused of having authorized access to the municipal swimming pool to a group of women, while the establishment was officially closed for health reasons, revealed The Parisian. This reopening raises questions, in particular because of the authorization to wear the burkini, in contradiction with the internal regulations of the swimming pool.
Sunday October 6, the swimming pool reopened its doors in the afternoon for a session reserved for the Femmes Relais du Bourget association, although the chlorine level in the water had been deemed too high earlier in the day, resulting in the closure of the equipment to the public. From 1 p.m., the swimming pool welcomed this association for a session where “the wearing of the burkini was authorized”, according to internal exchanges at the association, which the daily was able to consult.
Non-compliance with the law on secularism
Despite this decision, women were able to swim, sparking indignation from residents and the municipal opposition, who denounced “clandestine swimming” and a breach of “the law on secularism”.
The affair quickly took a political turn. Opponents of Jean-Baptiste Borsali accuse the mayor of having shown favoritism by authorizing a local association, led by Karima Miloudi, also deputy mayor, to use the swimming pool in conditions deemed risky.
Implicit authorization of the burkini
Other elected officials also denounced the implicit authorization of the burkini, an outfit prohibited by the internal regulations of the swimming pool, which applies both to public slots and to associations. Faced with criticism, Jean-Baptiste Borsali defended himself by explaining that this swim was part of Pink October, an awareness campaign against breast cancer.
Concerning the absence of a lifeguard, Jean-Baptiste Borsali indicated that it was a cost-saving measure, and that the association had a qualified person to supervise the session.
