Bruno Retailleau’s Meeting with the French Islam Forum: A Dialogue on French Islam
On Tuesday, February 18, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau held a historic meeting at Place Beauvau with members of the French Islam Forum (FORIF), a platform for dialogue between the Islamic faith and French authorities. The meeting provided an opportunity for Retailleau to outline his policy on this complex issue, characterized by a commitment to non-interference in religious affairs and the announcement of a parliamentary mission to address the issue of "Muslim squares" in cemeteries.
Muslim Burial Spaces: A Sensitive Issue
Muslim squares are designated burial spaces within cemeteries that are separated according to religious affiliation. While the French law prohibits religious differentiation in the 40,000 cemeteries across the country, the issue has become increasingly urgent for the Muslim community. The request for at least 600 designated spaces stems from the fact that many Muslims are now being buried in metropolitan France, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This presents a challenge for families who wish to inter their loved ones in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Retailleau’s Approach: Non-Interference and Parliamentary Mission
Retailleau’s approach to the issue is multifaceted. Firstly, he emphasized the importance of non-interference in religious affairs. He stated that the state’s role is not to regulate religious practices but to ensure that they are carried out in compliance with French law. This stance aligns with the principle of laïcité, or secularism, which is enshrined in the French Constitution.
Secondly, Retailleau announced the launch of a parliamentary mission to examine the issue of Muslim squares. The mission will be tasked with studying the legal, social, and practical implications of establishing designated burial spaces in cemeteries. It will also provide recommendations on how to reconcile the needs of the Muslim community with the principles of French law and public order.
FORIF’s Perspective
The meeting with Minister Retailleau was welcomed by the members of FORIF, who recognized it as a significant step in the dialogue between the French government and the Muslim community. FORIF’s president, Mohammed Moussaoui, expressed his appreciation for the minister’s willingness to engage with the issue and for his recognition of the need for a solution that respects both the religious beliefs of Muslims and the laws of France.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Steps
While the meeting between Retailleau and FORIF represents a positive step, it also underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding the integration of Islam into French society. The issue of Muslim squares highlights the need for a nuanced and balanced approach that respects the religious sensitivities of minority communities while upholding the principles of French law and secularism.
The parliamentary mission launched by Retailleau is expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations on this complex issue. Its findings will be closely scrutinized by both the Muslim community and the wider French public. The future of Muslim burial spaces in France will depend on the ability of the government and religious authorities to find a mutually acceptable solution that reconciles the needs of both sides.
