'I can only think of our nuns': Bishop disagrees with France's controversial burkini ban

'I find it ironic that we are alarmed that a woman is overdressed while swimming in the sea!'

Amid fears of another ISIS attack in Europe, France's controversial "burkini" band has several calling hypocrisy.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to the Catholic Herald, the secretary-general of the Italian Bishops' conference, Bishop Nunzio Galantino, has openly criticized France's controversial burkini ban.

The Bishop wonders why women are being told not to  dress conservatively while enjoying the refreshing waters of the sea.

Bishop Galantino stated: "It's hard to imagine that a woman [in a burkini] who enters the water is there to carry out an attack. I can only think of our nuns and I think of our peasant grandmothers who still wear head coverings.

"The freedom to be granted to religious symbols should be considered on par with the freedom to express one's beliefs and to follow them in public life. And, let me tell you: I find it ironic that we are alarmed that a woman is overdressed while swimming in the sea!"

The BBC reported 64 of French citizens agree burkinis should be banned while 30 claim to be indifferent.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the burkini is a representation of the "enslavement of women" but not all people view them as such.

Education Minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem explained burkinis are against her feminist beliefs but she also understands the imposition of the ban brings unwelcome and objectified images linking clothing to women.

The controversial ban has reached a boiling point when a woman dressed in her burkini at the beach was surrounded by officers, who fined her €11 (Ł9, $12), despite her obvious outfit consisting of leggins, a jacked and a headscarf.

"The policeman told me I had to wear correct clothing and wear the hijab as a headband. But I left the beach and kept my hijab on," the woman stated. "I felt like a stranger in my own country. Some people came to comfort me but others insulted me."

Fear continues to divide nations around the world. Please pray for peace and for an end of ISIS' hate-fueled reign.

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