Faith

Muslims Could Face Arrest in New French Ban on Praying in the Streets

Muslims Could Face Arrest in New French Ban on Praying in the Streets

Praying in the streets of Paris is outlawed under a new ban enacted Friday. (Photo credit: The Daily Mail)

Muslims kneeling to pray on the streets of Paris could face arrest under a new ban enacted Friday in the name of French secularism.

While the ban prohibits members of any religious faith from praying in the streets, it will particularly affect Muslims trying to complete their Friday midday prayers.

Muslims Could Face Arrest in New French Ban on Praying in the Streets

Muslims pray in the streets of Paris. (Photo credit: AFP)

Overcrowded mosques often force followers to find room to unfurl prayer rugs and kneel on the street, their foreheads touching the ground, which French Interior Minister Claude Gueant said “hurts the sensitivities of many of our fellow citizens.”

“My vigilance will be unflinching for the law to be applied. Praying in the street is not dignified for religious practice and violates the principles of secularism,” Gueant told a French newspaper, the Daily Telegraph reported.

An agreement with the city will allow worshipers to use an empty former fire station as a makeshift prayer hall until construction on a new, larger mosque is completed in 2013.

Gueant suggested as many as 1,000 Muslims spill out into the Paris streets to pray in the afternoons, although other reports suggested the number was much higher.

Sheikh Mohamed salah Hamza, who is in charge of a Parisian mosques that regularly overflows, told the Telegraph he would obey the new law, but said he was “not entirely satisfied” with the new location.

“We are not cattle,” Hamza said.

Muslims Could Face Arrest in New French Ban on Praying in the Streets

French Interior Minister Claude Gueant vowed the new legislation would be strictly enforced. (Photo credit: AFP)

Muslim public prayer has been a hot button issue in France: In December, an elected leader of the conservative National Front party compared the practice to the Nazi occupation of Paris during World War II “without the tanks or soldiers,“ calling it a ”political act of fundamentalists.”

French President Nicolas Sarkozy denounced the comments at the time, but polling showed many French citizens were supportive of the remarks.

Gueant has said a countrywide ban is next, saying “the street is for driving, not praying.”

Gueant came under fire in April for saying France’s “growing” Muslim population “poses a problem.”

The new legislation is the latest in France’s crackdown on public signs of religiosity — in April, France banned Muslim women from wearing full face coverings. Jewish skullcaps, Christian crosses and Muslim headscarves may not be worn in public schools, and public funding of places of worship is illegal.

Gueant repeated his determination to strictly enforce the ban.

“We could go as far as using force if necessary, but it‘s a scenario I don’t believe will happen, as dialogue [with local religious leaders] has born fruit,” he said.

Still, Abdul Sidiqi, a Muslim, called it “another example of the government clamping down on Muslims, and the Muslim way of life.”

“If they do not want to see us in the street, then they should provide more mosques,” Sidiqi told the Daily Mail. “What is going on is scandalous. The government is creating problems which do not really exist to put us in our place.”

Comments (204)

1 2 3 ... 6
  • pap pap
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:33pm

    “they should provide more mosques”

    Whoa you know what Hamza build your own frgn mosques. It’s not governments job to provide worship facilities.

    Report Post »  
  • Sloburn
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:33pm

    No No No, the French aren’t about to try to enforce a law where people might actually fight back.

    Christians and Jews would be a different story, they pretty much turn the over cheek so persecution is acceptable, but a Muslim no, no no, that might get your face slapped. Can’t have that, it might inter-fear the wine tasting later tonight.

    Report Post » Sloburn  
    • Edct
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:37pm

      God help France, I hope it is not too late because they have let so many of these infidel cult from hell murdering terrorists into their country….wake up America, call your representative or senator and tell them to stop the pc bs…or we will be next…..no matter what the muslims say, they want to grow in number and then attempt to take over America and kill anyone who does not convert to their satanic cult.

      Report Post »  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:59pm

      Wouldn’t be surprised if a fatwa is issued against this guy, just like the Danish cartoonist and the paper that originally published his work.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • ProbIemSoIver
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:05pm

      Here is a GREAT 9 minute video that explains the truth about Islam.
      THIS IS A MUST SEE !!!!

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgsrnmzxEUY

      Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:10pm

      There are many stories of people in France seeing their Muslim friends and neighbors slowly become radicalized over the last decade. These recently passed laws dealing with what everyone sees as Muslim PR/ provocation (face coverings and street praying) passed with about zero discussion.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • TH30PH1LUS
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:38pm

      I give Europe roughly 40 years. They embraced their own demise decades ago, when they exchanged Nationalism (borders, language, culture) for Globalism (E.U.) and Multiculturalism.

      Their last gasp will come in the form of overbearing, strong-arm Centralized Government rulings… but it will be too late.

      Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:55pm

      @TH30PH1LUS
      Ditto. It’s like trying to fight a Stage IV cancer. Too little too late. Europe is doomed.

      Report Post »  
    • Rightsofman
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:21pm

      That’s France here Muslims can do anything but a Christian better not say a prayer in public or a riot will ensue. God help us.

      Report Post »  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:55pm

      You all want to criticize Muslims for what hijackers of their faith have done? Fine. Terrorists deserve to be preemptively dealt with, I agree. You can even attack a system of beliefs that leads to a higher than acceptable number of radicals who turn into terrorists. You’d still be in the bounds of fair argument.
      But to LEGISLATE belief? Isn’t that a little…actually TOTALLY anti-conservative AND anti-libertarian AND anti-freedom? Would you guys REALLY like a federal govt to tell you your church spires can only be X number of feet and the cross pendants you send your kids to school with to be only X inches big? Or that nuns are no longer allowed to wear full body habits?
      The French are engineering their own downfall, by attempting to enforce belief through sneaky attacks on behaviors they take offense to, RATHER than doing the conservative thing and actually PERSUADING the Muslims to change their OWN beliefs, on an individual basis if need be. Do we REALLY have so LITTLE faith in our own position that freedom is the solution to the human condition that we must attempt to enforce it by fiat and threat of law?

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • jzs
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 4:56pm

      FYI, I’m not agreeing or disagreeing, but the French have decided that they want no public display of any religion. Christians can’t wear crosses outside their clothes, Jews can’t wear skullcaps, nobody can pray in public etc.

      I know this website likes to make Islam the focus of these controversies because that gets everyone excited, but the French don’t want public displays or clothing that represents ANY religion. Just to clear up that point.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • the hawk
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 5:55pm

      Wonder if the kid in the picture is having a God complex ? I think you should be allowed to pray anywhere you like ! !

      Report Post »  
    • euragone
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 6:38pm

      Death Race 2011.. I see at least 10k points.. Serves them right to block traffic….

      Report Post » euragone  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 7:29pm

      Hi JZS,
      I’m just petty enough to ask you, when trying to straighten things up, to get it right.
      French people are allowed to wear anything they want anywhere anytime even in public, EXCEPT in public schools. Even there, small crosses or other non-ostentatious displays of personal faith are allowed for, while hijabs, yamulkes, and Sikh ceremonial daggers are considered too large.
      Oh yeah, and now praying in a way that blocks traffic is banned too.
      The problem is, even these laws are barely disguised attacks on the FAITH of Muslims, not on their ACTS. There should be no law on thought and belief, IMHO.

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • mashuser2
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 7:32pm

      Actually you’re wrong SLOBURN. As fun as it is to razz the French, they’re the one country on the ENTIRE PLANET that has been taking a proactive stance against radical islam over the past year. The principal concern is whether it is too late for them or not.

      Report Post »  
    • mlcblog
      Posted on September 17, 2011 at 1:50am

      What are you talking about? I don’t see Christians and Jews wandering in the traffic, i.e., blocking automobile traffic by an ignorant and civilly unacceptable kneeling to pray.

      I am glad France is seeing the light. They need to keep order in their cities. I hope they will enforce this. Let people pray but not in traffic!!!!!

      Who would go into the street to pray anyway? Let them build or find better places on their own, like we do.

      Report Post » mlcblog  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on September 17, 2011 at 7:23am

      No chance (ZERO) that the French enforce this law. NONE.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • cassandra
      Posted on September 18, 2011 at 9:09am

      if they would have limited their muslim immigration they wouldn’t have this problem,

      Report Post »  
  • welovetheUSA
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:32pm

    ita a public street………….not a church, get the fire hoses out and wash them back to their beloved country.

    Report Post » welovetheUSA  
    • AB5r
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:38pm

      Forget the fire hoses, they should just strafe them from a helicopter. That would get their attention, and thin out the crowd as well solving the problem they claim of not having enough space.

      Report Post » AB5r  
    • Pastor Ray
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:44pm

      I not the fact that they’re praying in the streets it IS when they interfere with my freedom of walking on the sidewalk or driving my car down the street.
      Your freedom ends where my nose starts and my freedom ends where your nose starts!
      You can pray to your PAGAN moon god all you want as long as it does not block my freedom! America is a melting pot people of the world and NOT a conquered country of Islam!

      Report Post » Pastor Ray  
    • soniasamms
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:25pm

      This kind of hateful speech does not accomplish anything. Love is the only policy that can rule the human heart with any true influence on the greater world .

      Report Post » soniasamms  
    • AB5r
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:31pm

      soniasamms, in the normal world that is true but Islam cancels all normal rules, if you spoke like that to Muhammad he would cut your head off, his followers are no better. The hate is what is in the Koran, what is in the hearts of those who follow him. If you love Islam you are signing your own death warrant.

      Report Post » AB5r  
    • SUMMARINE03
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 8:27pm

      Hahahahah classic.

      Report Post »  
    • Janet1983
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 6:25pm

      That’s the issue. It’s a public street. If I wanted to go out and pray in public, I wouldn’t want to be fined and I am certainly not a Muslim. While I do think that they should make a law that prohibits the hindrance of traffic flow and guarantees that they don‘t pose a security risk by blocking of streets with their numbers I don’t think anybody should ban public prayer. Let them pray as long as there is enough room for all others to pass them and go home or wherever they want to go.
      If a Jew wants to wear a skullcap, he should be able to do so and if a Christian wants to wear a cross this should be the same. Int’s not like they could really become dangerous by doing so. Full hijab might be an issue (as it is already illegal in many universities in the Middle East to stop men from entering female dormitories) since one can’t even tell the difference between male and female…
      Public prayer should be a non-issue… are they also going to prosecute every Muslim who walks the streets with prayer beads and every Catholic who prays the rosary? When will they prosecute a Jew who sits in a cafe with a Siddur? How long will it take for them to prohibit the public display of a Qur’an or a Bible? When will it be illegal to read the Torah at a bus stop or on the subway?

      Report Post » Janet1983  
  • momprayn
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:31pm

    “For a great example of “information warfare” check out the recent column penned by the Ground Zero Mosque imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and carried in The Wall Street Journal. It’s worth the two minutes it takes to read it.

    Remember, this is the man who started a sharia index to measure how sufficiently governments comply with sharia law, a central doctrine of which is jihad. This is the man who said governments that don’t practice sharia are “unjust.”

    Now he’s claiming, “I hope that people of all faiths will accept my assertion that those who kill innocents in the name of Allah are not true Muslims.”

    Our question for Imam Rauf: “If your assertion is true, what does that make Muhammad?”

    After all, the prophet Muhammad, in the name of Allah, led, organized or ordered dozens of raids, attacks, and assassinations, and thousands died as a result. Perhaps his most brutal act was his order to behead approximately 800 Jews in Medina who had surrendered to him.

    Maybe, according to Rauf, Muhammad was not a true Muslim. Well, we know that can’t be the case.

    So maybe, in Muhammad’s eyes and Rauf’s eyes, those people Muhammad killed weren’t “innocent.” Note that Rauf doesn’t say “those who kill PEOPLE are not true Muslims.” He says “those who kill INNOCENTS.” So maybe it depends on how Rauf defines an “innocent.”

    Information warfare folks.”

    http://www.actforamerica.com

    Report Post »  
    • Ritatheresearcher
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:49pm

      Only muslims are considered innocent. We infidels reside in the dar al harb aka house of war.

      Report Post »  
    • Ritatheresearcher
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:58pm

      Only muslims are considered innocent by other muslims. Infidels are not and reside in the dar al harb aka house of war.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:01pm

      Excellent post. Imams are all Islamists, and Islamists are all deceivers, Rauf included.

      Report Post »  
  • RiseLiberty
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:28pm

    Countries need to declare themselves “multi-racial, not multi-cultural. Multi-culturalism is a concept which cannot work by definition. You can never have 50 different cultures trying to coexist under oneone flag which represents a national rule of law particular to that country. For one, I love that America is multi-racial. But the greatness of this blessed nation should never be compromised by altering or corrupting our founding principles. Assimilate… or please don’t come.

    Report Post »  
    • PRAY4OURUSA
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 5:20pm

      Riseliberty,
      You write about multi-culturalism not a workable solution.
      Our creator created many different animals and each type of animal was meant to procreate and live with its own species. I often wonder if the creator created the different races with the same intention. I wonder if it would not be better for each race to procreate and live with its own race. America is turning into a multi-cultural country. Many blacks, after all these years, are developing their own culture and are displaying more hatred towards non-blacks. HIspanics are clinging more towards their hispanic culture, i.e. refusing to speak English and forcing the rest of us to “dial 1 for English”, rather than assimilating. Muslims are moving in and demanding we change our culture. Liberals are trying to change are form of government to socialism (or worse). None of these changes have made America better, rather it has weakened the country. What a pity that people have forgotten why ALL our ancesters came to America–for a better life. Love it or leave it!!

      Report Post »  
  • GiveUsJustice
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:27pm

    “If they do not want to see us in the street, then they should provide more mosques,”

    hahahahhaha

    This is how they think now??? I would love for a Christian to say something like that, or better yet, pray on the street.

    Please government, more tax payers money is needed for the muslims that feel a building designed only for them is the only place they can pray. Get on that. Quick.

    Report Post » GiveUsJustice  
  • Yottlover
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:24pm

    The problem is that the “run of the mill” muslim just wants to practise thier faith. Left on its own that does not present any problems. However, they have complete disregard for anyone but themselves.

    They will not try to fit in, are intolerent of ohter religions and want nothing less than world dominationover time.

    If they truly wanted religious freedom and to enjoy life in non muslim countries they would do something about all the negative press around the world, but even their US organization CARE wqnt nothing more than the “muslim-azation of our country.

    Racism against muslims will only continue to escolate and worsen until tgey make a serious movement to co-exist.

    4000 years of war against non-muslims is proof enough for me that that will never happen.
    Protect yourselves and be prepared.

    Report Post »  
  • TomFerrari
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:22pm

    At least the ‘islamics’ in college found an “out-of-the-way” place to do this.
    (unfortunately, it was places like stairwells and fire escapes – not the best place to be kneeling down when there is an emergency !)

    Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • 68Truthseeker
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:22pm

    Wayne Madsen Discusses Obama’s Indonesian Citizenship and Fraudulent CT. SS# – 9/15/11

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvGLo8ZCklY

     
    • encinom
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:25pm

      Madsen and Alex Jones are frauds and con men.

      Report Post »  
    • Twinspeedr
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:32pm

      Amen. I don’t listen to Jones. He finds some good information sometimes, but he insists on tainting it with Hollywood hype and overstretched connections. The truth is not paramount to him, we can’t afford to be counted among people like Alex Jones.

      Not to mention he is slavishly in love with pathetic burnouts like Charlie “rock-bottom” Sheen;
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWEKrfRW5_M&feature=related

      Report Post » Twinspeedr  
  • ProbIemSoIver
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:20pm

    Pacifism is a Death wish.
    The conservative Parisians were warning the Liberal ones for some time, I bet.
    It may be too late now !!!
    Whence Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

    Report Post » ProbIemSoIver  
  • mikenleeds
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:20pm

    if i do anything in the road blocking traffic i get a ticket or arrested ,,
    oll i forgot they are allowed since they are above the law

    Report Post » mikenleeds  
  • WhiteHorse
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:19pm

    Don’t stop at outlawing blockage of streets with praying, do what is really needed… outlaw islam.

    Report Post » WhiteHorse  
  • GETLIFE
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:18pm

    Sarkozy 2012

    Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:26pm

      I mean Sarkozy is up for re-election in FRANCE. (Still, he would be better than Obama….)

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
  • HappyStretchedThin
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:16pm

    I’m glad no law like that would stand here in the US. If you want to diminish the number of Muslims meet them on the grounds of religious ideas. If you want to diminish the number of Muslim extremist terrorists, meet them with preemptive military strikes. But attempting to enforce thought by govt law will only ever backfire.

    Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • Aviyah
      Posted on September 19, 2011 at 3:54pm

      Is there some reason why these folks can’t pray in the confines of their own residences like every other reasonable human being on the planet?

      Frankly, I say to hell with political correctness. It is high time the French kick these idolaters clean out of Reuben’s little slice of earth (mucked up, funky, and perverse as it has become already).

      The problem is, whenever and wherever “good” “moderate” Muslims (if there is such a thing) increase in numbers, suddenly they tend to start behaving like RADICAL Muslims. As a point of fact, the only time they ever behave themselves like human beings is when they are a fraction of a fraction of the minority in some free Christian nation. Beyond that they INEVITABLY behave like blood thirsty depraved animals.

      Report Post » Aviyah  
  • Lloyd Drako
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:14pm

    You’re gonna need a bigger mosque. Apply to the Saudis for funding.

    Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:30pm

      —– Still, Abdul Sidiqi, a Muslim, called it “another example of the government clamping down on Muslims, and the Muslim way of life.” “If they do not want to see us in the street, then they should provide more mosques,” Sidiqi told the Daily Mail. ———

      um, No. The government is not responsible for providing more mosques. You want more, YOU pay for them.

      Report Post »  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:53pm

      Totally in agreement. You want a bigger mosque, you pay for it–or get your Middle Eastern backers (commonly Saudis) to do so. Not the French government or French taxpayers. Of course, the bigger a mosque is, the more “in your face,” the likelier it is to arouse local opposition, as with the Swiss ban on minarets, or the campaign against the “Ground Zero” mosque in NYC.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
  • atechgeek
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:12pm

    DO NOT BAN THEIR STREET PRAYERS !! Pass a bill to allow them to pray on the Interstates from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM M-F.

    Report Post »  
  • kentuckypatriot
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:11pm

    Good for the French! Keep the pressure on them. I wonder where their allegiance is?

    Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
  • honestynow
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:11pm

    Should have nipped it in the bud to begin with. About time.

    Report Post »  
  • motherof18
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:10pm

    If any of my children converted to Islam I would disown them and never even acknowledge their existence for the rest of their disgusting lives.

    Report Post »  
    • Ookspay
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:15pm

      I doubt that very much. Love is not something that can be removed, once it is there it is forever. Your feelings and respect may change, but love is eternal. If you think that you really could just yank it away then the “love” you have for your children may be something else.

      Report Post » Ookspay  
    • Wayner
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:17pm

      There’s bound to be plenty of room in the deserts of Saudi Arabia for the sheet heads to pray.

      Report Post »  
  • sizzler2220
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:10pm

    America should start following France in regards to putting the stops on the muslim bull.

    Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:28pm

      Yet, the blazers whined about the Amish having to obey traffic rules. Nothing like the pure bigotry for show here to dispell any myths that the support for the Amish was about the first amendment.

       
    • Nanner-SW
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:30pm

      This couldn’t be applied to the United States because we value freedom. In America people should have the right to pray where ever they want privately and publically, including Christians. But if religious tentions are that high and this helps calm it done, more power to them. Point, if it was applied here it would be undermining an important cornerstone of our society, freedom. A place where if you see a muslim praying in the street you can drop down on your knees next to him with your hands clasped, and your face toward the sky and pray as well.

      Report Post » Nanner-SW  
    • Steve
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 1:58pm

      And yet another clear example of a clown trolls purpose. encinom
      ENICOM/MONICNE’ post clearly shown the smoke and mirror deflection strategy.

      Don’t be fooled in getting caught up in this trolls little game in trying to control the narrative. This is about a evil ideology not Christian pacifists.

      Report Post »  
  • DanWesson455
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:10pm

    I’ll believe when I see it. That will be right after the riots and Paris is burning. Idiot politicians. You think you run your country? HA! Sharia Muslims are the power in France. You are doomed but are too arrogant to know it. You all would be better off in Paraguay. Run frenchman, run!!

    Report Post » DanWesson455  
  • ingvard
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:09pm

    The weekend after Spain has running of the bulls, France should have a nation wide “running of the pigs”

    Report Post »  
  • texasfarmer
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:08pm

    These peasants are so backwards. When one gets run over, Jehad on the auto industry.

    Report Post » texasfarmer  
  • JLGunner
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:08pm

    They think they have a right to flop down anywhere and do this crap no matter how diruptive it is to the people around them.

    Report Post » JLGunner  
    • davis51
      Posted on September 16, 2011 at 2:38pm

      Next time they bend down to pray and their asses up in the air you either whack their asses or just shoot them in the ass. Which ever you prefer

      Report Post » davis51  
  • NuffSaid
    Posted on September 16, 2011 at 12:07pm

    Bring in some dumpsters around noontime on Fridays.

    Report Post »  
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