Women in Syria must now where burkinis in pools and beaches

The government of Syria has declared that women need to either wear burkinis or other “decent” clothing at public swimming pools as well as beaches, the BBC reported on June 11th.

Issued by the ministry of tourism, the policy intends to strengthen “public safety” and maintain “public decency,” according to Al-Ikhbariyah al-Suriyah, the state news channel of Syria. The policy does not apply to private beaches, clubs and swimming pools, alongside hotels of over four stars.

In Syria, women typically wear modest clothing in public beaches, however some women do wear Western swimming attire. Syria’s new government had initially vowed to lead the country with inclusivity.

BBC