I just watched the speech delivered by Jacques Chirac outlining the coming national policy proposals concerning discrimination and hate crimes that are being introduced for consideration by the first of the year in France.
Almost as an aside, he explained in a general way the call for banning all overt religious clothing in the schools. It was bannered as insurance, through secularism -- thus guaranteeing religious freedom for all. Quite well said, I thought.
It was a very eloquent speech. Mr. Chirac delivered it from the heart and with passion. He appealed to the people of France to help eliminate the growing anti-semitism and racial hatred that is afflicting the nation, and he did it with reason, logic... and best of all passion for what it is to be a citizen of France.
He called on all people to learn the obligation of fraternity. And the demands imposed on all citizens to practice equality -- If France is to maintain her proud history of philosophy and reason.
He also appealed for the people to remember the past. Especially the recent past when fanaticism exacted such a price against civilization.
I was extremely impressed and I hope that the people of France are truely able to succeed. Indeed, may we all succeed in conquoring this growing frenzy of hatred.
Mike
Aside... Chambon-Sur-Lignon is a village where the christian population protected and hid 5'000 Jews from the Nazis between 1940 and 1944. A very propitious place for a speech promoting reason.
The above speech was given on 8 July of this year. Watch CSPAN listings if you are interested in seeing it. It has excellent translation. Thank goodness! My French could probably start a war just by pretense of usage.
All of that came from chirac I didnt think the man was capable of intelligent thought not that I think this is intelligent. Removing all religion from public places to assure religious freedom for all is a bit much for me. I alos bet Mr. Chirac is one of the first to celebrate his christmas holiday away from work when the capital is closed. In a country that is extremly catholic, a country that celebrates saints is not going to allow religion in school. A country that has strict laws on something simple as what to name your child. All a tad bit backwards to me.
I don't know how I feel about this. Schools funded by taxes certainly should not promote any religious point of view, because then certain taxpayers would be paying to propomte opposing religious beliefs. OTOH, I think cultural diversity is a very useful thing to have in schools.
I also don't see how clothing constitutes proselytizing; I frequently wear a shirt that says 'Bush is Sauron: Save the Shire' but I don't think anyone is justified in being intimidated or offended by that.
Originally posted by royalchickenGood shirt. 😀
I don't know how I feel about this. Schools funded by taxes certainly should not promote any religious point of view, because then certain taxpayers would be paying to propomte opposing religious beliefs. OTOH, I think cultural diversity is a very useful thing to have in schools.
I also don't see how clothing constitutes proselytizing; I frequent ...[text shortened]... ve the Shire' but I don't think anyone is justified in being intimidated or offended by that.
I don't think governments are justified in preventing people from wearing clothing/jewelry which is an extension of that person's religious beliefs. It is wrong for people to be denied the right to wear religious garb which is a requirement of that religion.
Most democratic countries are based on the freedom of religion and the freedom of expression. Taking these rights away can only lead to more rights being taken away.