Sailing: the CFCM calls on political leaders to “stop putting targets behind the backs of Muslims”

In a press release, the French Council of Muslim Worship (CFCM) strongly condemns the statements of political leaders equating Muslim women wearing the veil with an extremist ideology.

For the CFCM, these positions are not without consequences. In a context marked by insults, threats and attacks targeting Muslim women, the Council considers that “the political and moral responsibility of those who participate in this escalation is engaged”. The CFCM thus warns of speeches which, according to it, contribute to pointing out veiled women to public vengeance and launches a clear appeal to political leaders: “Stop putting targets behind the backs of Muslims”.

“Wearing the veil is not the invention of an extremist ideology”

The Council also rejects the idea that the veil is the product of contemporary extremist ideology. He recalls that this practice has existed for centuries, in different forms, in Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions. If certain extremist movements may seek to exploit it, this cannot, according to the CFCM, justify its ban on those who freely choose to wear it.

“The Republic’s response must be clear: a woman who chooses to wear the veil, like one who chooses not to wear it, must be protected and her free choice respected. »

The CFCM denounces an electoral escalation

With major electoral deadlines approaching, the CFCM also questions the desire of certain parties to make women’s clothing a political priority, to the point of considering mobilizing the police to control it in public spaces. For the organization, police officers and gendarmes have other priorities: the fight against terrorism, crime, drug trafficking, violence against people and insecurity.

The CFCM thus warns against any strategy aimed at hijacking the electoral debate by stoking “fear, stigma and division” to the detriment of the real challenges facing France.

“Let us not expose our country to accusations of intolerance and ridicule”

The CFCM also considers that a ban on the veil in public spaces would be contrary to constitutionally protected freedoms, in particular freedom of conscience, individual freedom and the principle of secularism. In this respect, he recalls the words of Aristide Briand in 1905, during the debates on the ban on the cassock. He believed that such a measure would have exposed the Republic to “reproach of intolerance” and even “ridicule”, whereas the law separating Churches and State was to establish “a regime of freedom”.

The CFCM concludes by calling on political leaders “to show responsibility and restraint”.

“Let’s not make millions of French people hostage to electoral strategies. Let’s not put targets on the backs of Muslim women. »