Cannes has banned burkinis, or full-body swimsuits. Thierry Migoule, the head of municipal services for the town, is of the opinion that wearing a Burkini signifies an allegiance with the enemy. "We are not talking about banning the wearing of religious symbols on the beach...but ostentatious clothing which refers to an allegiance to terrorist movements which are at war with us," he said.
But what do women and girls who wear full-body swimsuits have to do with the Islamic State? Has a terrorist attack ever been traced back to a woman wearing a burkini?
During the winter, headscarves make headlines. Now that it's summertime, it's the burkini. Why do so many non-Muslims feel offended by headscarves or longer swimsuits?
It's a complicated situation. I also don't approve of everything people wear on the streets. But I also know that how people choose to dress is none of my business.
I'm sick of reading that a woman is either a barbie doll in a miniskirt or a Taliban follower in a headscarf. Women are so much more than that.
What you wear is your decision -- but please, allow me to decide not to expose my breasts in your presence. Please let it be my decision not to wear hot shorts or leggings in the summertime.
I value my femininity, even without exposing my body. It's not that I am a beauty queen -- but I know my worth. Not just as a woman, but also as a human being.
Just because someone is half naked doesn't mean they're free, and just because someone covers up, doesn't mean they're being oppressed.
This may come as a surprise to some, but none of the women who wear the headscarf were born with a headscarf. Women make the decision to wear it. At least, that's how it should be.
But we live in a superficial society that wants us at each other's throats. It's not about the headscarf, the burkini or the mini skirt!
Freedom starts inside your head, and not on top of it.
It's 2016: Can't we allow women the freedom to choose what to wear? Wouldn't that be the ultimate form of emancipation? Just because many female celebrities opt for revealing clothes and sing about feminism doesn't mean that they're free. Freedom starts inside your head, and not on top of it.
Women shouldn't be reduced to what they're wearing; but it happens all the time! I'm sick of reading that a woman is either a barbie doll in a miniskirt or a Taliban follower in a headscarf. Women are so much more than that.
What's the plan? Are you tearing off women's headscarves so that they could have more rights? What do you expect to happen? How will this change anything? Is Fatima going to become Stephanie? None of them will turn blonde!
Where are the feminists on other topics such as equal pay, sexual harassment in the workplace, or domestic abuse?
Muslim women do not need to be liberated by force. If they needs liberation, they can do it themselves.
How would I explain to my daughter that Muslim women are not allowed to swim in public pools? What will that do to her mind?
Europe often wonders about young jihadists who grow up in Europe then pledge their allegiance to terror. This is exactly how they're made. These youth, who feel rejected and marginalized, are young and emotionally unstable, and are therefore easily manipulated by hate-filled creatures with a desire to blow everything up.
I will not participate in this. I will not play this game. I will continue to swim in a burkini and I will do this wherever I choose.
I had a really good time swimming in Texas. No one gave me awkward looks or said anything condescending. Nobody cared who was wearing what.
There was a topless elderly woman, and nobody cared. I certainly didn't.
When I think about how well I was treated in Texas, I can't help but feel very disappointed with the French.
This post first appeared on HuffPost Germany. It has been translated into English and edited for clarity.