A council has sparked anger after officials blacked out windows on a glass-panelled swimming pool to protect the modesty of Muslim women. Darlaston Leisure Centre in the West Midlands' town of Walsall, was hailed for its 'ultra-modern' design when it opened ten years ago. But now council staff have covered 250 windows with dark-tinted film following complaints from Muslim swimmers.
But other users say the move has plunged the pool into almost permanent darkness and branded it 'political correctness gone stark-raving mad'.
Pauline Poole, 65, a retired legal secretary from Walsall, said: 'I returned to swimming after having a cataracts operation some months ago and was looking forward to looking out on some lovely trees while swimming. 'What I found was a situation that reminded me of how it felt like before my operation, like looking at a horrible cloudy view. [MailOnline] Read more
Pool windows covered up for Muslim swimmers Windows at a Black Country leisure centre have been covered up at the request of Muslim women who do not want people to see them swimming.
The move at Darlaston Leisure Centre was today criticised by other swimmers. Walsall Council said it acknowledged the request of the Muslim community, adding that it could not afford to put frosted glass in.
The centre opened in 2000 and with its striking glass panels, has been praised for its “ultra-modern design”. The windows are now covered by a dark film. [Express & Star] Read more [via Mick Hartley]
