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There are calls for special pool facilities to be set up for Muslim women so they can swim without compromising their religious beliefs.
Naaz Shah of Christchurch said many Muslim women had no opportunities to exercise and were putting on weight as a result, the Press newspaper reported today.
"They become medically unfit. Their health is affected and they're quite depressed," she said.
Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand chief executive Sultan Eusoff said privacy and modesty were very important for followers of Islam.
He backed the idea of a special pool for Muslims, but said he was not aware of any reports of Muslim women feeling uncomfortable swimming in pools.
"It is not so much a problem of other people making us feel uncomfortable, but there would be an issue if pool dress codes forbid our women covering up," he said.
An Australian designer, Aheda Zanetti, has been swamped with worldwide interest in a modest bathing costume designed for Muslim women.
The burqini covers everything except hands and feet, and includes a hijood, named after the traditional Muslim hijab to cover the head.
- NZPA
