After burqa, halal menu target of French ire

[Bhushan]

After burqa, halal menu target of French ire

PARIS: A French fast food chain’s decision to serve only halal meat in eight restaurants with a strong Muslim clientele has sparked a wave of criticism from politicians decrying the step as unacceptable.

A far-right leader said the 350-branch Quick chain was imposing “an Islamic tax” on its customers. A Socialist mayor has threatened a lawsuit for discrimination against customers who do not want to eat according to Muslim dietary laws.

The uproar, like France’s drive to ban Muslim face veils and its state-led debate on national identity, has come just ahead of regional elections next month even though Quick began what it calls a six-month marketing test in late November. The $7.46 billion halal market in France is growing strongly, according to a survey in December 2009, citing increasing demand among young Muslims for halal produce.

Marine Le Pen, vice-president of the far-right National Front, launched the accusations on Sunday, saying clients “are forced because of halal meat to pay a tax to Islamic organizations” that certify the food was produced according to Muslim dietary laws.

 

[SMC]

Now that's just uncalled for. Sure, I can understand the burka story. Here, from what I gather, clients pay halal tax thing to pay for charity or stuff like that. Well, it sounds highly unlikely to be forced, and even if it was, simply just don't go to the restaurant if you don't want to pay that.

 

[Comet]

From this I have gathered that Politicians are same in east and west. Making issues of nothing. Playing with emotions. I mean look at this. As said by SMC if you dont want to eat that don't go to that restaurant. But politicians are politicians.

 

[Awesome]

Only one thing comes to mind to describe these people:

چ

 

[Hussein]

it makes noise here.
but the major was doing it in purpose. It is soon elections and it is very important sign for both the socialists and the right parti UMP.
Everyone trying to take the votes of any.
This guy wanted to take votes from people , not only froml fascist movment FN but far more from the people who are obsessed with a fake interpretation of the "laicite". the country is laic and some people exagerate the meaning of it .
anyway it is a private company and they cannot do anything
already it was the case before : a food shop was selling only "halal food " . the socialist major said it was the laic spirit which was attacked but he lost: the court decided it was bullshit.