The 'burkini' stirs a swimming pool battle in small German town

Washington

THE idea behind a 'burkini' is simple. It's a women's garment made of swimsuit material covering the entire body, except for the face, hands and feet. By covering most of a woman's skin, it allows her to swim without worrying about the requirements in some Islamic cultures to dress modestly while in public.

While the burkini may sound straightforward, it is quite controversial. German media recently reported that a public pool in Neutraubling in the German state of Bavaria had banned swimmers from wearing burkinis. According to Munich tabloid Abendzeitung, the decision was made after a young woman turned up for a water aerobics class in a burkini. Some women in the class complained, which led town officials to rule the outfit was not appropriate at the pool and should not be allowed.