The clash of civilizations comes to the wading pool. From AGI, with thanks to Ali Dashti:
The leaders of the Muslim community in Bolzano understand the ban on swimming in a chador, but at the same time have asked for women only pools as there are in Muslim countries.
The two women, accompanied to Bolzano’s lido by their children and a man, after having taken the sun while dressed, wanted to refresh themselves. They approached the pool, to follow their children, entered the water and then faced the ‘revolt’ of a large number of bathers. “Things like that should no longer happen. There is a rule. One cannot get into the pool while clothed, but only in a swimming costume – argued Giustina Marinucci, Bolzano Council’s director of sport. “I respect the Muslim religion, but they need to adapt, as we do when we enter their mosques. There are hygienic reasons for the ban on entering a pool while dressed.”
Aboulkheir Breigheche, the head of the Muslim community said: “In Italy it may be necessary to create pools just for men and just for women. They are free not to respect Islam, but the religion permits bathing just in costume only if there are just women present.”
“They are free not to respect Islam”? For how long?