France's ruling UMP party defies calls to cancel debate on secularism

France's ruling UMP party has gone ahead with a controversial debate on secularism. It was held despite opposition from key political figures, including the Prime Minister, fearing that it would stigmatise the country's Muslims. The leaders of France's six biggest religions even came together to issue an unprecedented joint statement, asking the party to cancel the debate.

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24/05/2013 - GERMANY

Dilemna for Berlin in nuclear power replacement plan

It's THE major paradox in the energy debate: Germay's plans to fast-track renewable energy are coming under fire by green activists. And even by many Germans as well. Although the majority are happy with the government's decision to get rid of nuclear power, the space needed for all the solar parks and wind farms and to feed the biogas networks, means that tens of thousand of acres of countryside and forests are will have to go. s Angela Merkel's government on the right track with German energy?

23/05/2013 - NIGER

Islamists attack French ally Niger

Members of the Islamist movement Mujao have claimed responsibility for the double car bombing in Niger on Thursday morning. The group had declared on the internet back in February that it would retaliate against those who had sent troops into Mali in the French-led military intervention earlier this year. The bombs went off at a Nigerian Army barracks and a French-owned uranium mine, a reminder that France is heavily reliant on African countries such as Niger to create nuclear energy back home.

23/05/2013 - CHINA

Chinese corruption continues, despite president's promise

China's new President, Xi Jinping, has sworn to crack down on the corruption that is rife in the country, although the issue does not seem to be high on the government's list of priorities. While individuals who try to expose high-ranking officials for their wrongdoings are lauded in the media, they are persecuted by the authorities - and often end up being thrown in prison.

22/05/2013 - DR CONGO

Ban Ki-Moon arrives in DRC amid fresh M23 violence

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He's set to tour the east of the country, before travelling to neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda. His visit comes as violence has again flared up between the M23 rebel movement and the Congolese army, causing 30,000 people to flee the area. Mr Ban's trip also coincides with the arrival of 3,000 extra peacekeeping troops, the first time the UN will have an "offensive" mandate.

22/05/2013 - ISRAEL

Israeli government cracks down on civilians' illegal firearms

In a country where weapons abound, gun owners may sometimes lose track of a gun or a rifle, tucked away at the back of a cupboard. Now, after several deadly incidents involving firearms, Israel's Ministry of Public Security and police are collaborating to rein in some of the country's illegally-held weaponry, including guns, assault rifles and cartridges, for which permits have expired. Officials are poring over their files in an attempt to locate the firearms and their current owners.

React to the article

(2) Reactions

secularism?

by Anonyme - 01/08/2011 - 13:28

If the State declares itself to be 'secular', why the hell is it even opening, or continuing, debate with the religious sector?

Surely the best policy would be to totally ignore each and every word issued from the mouths and spin machines of the clergy and the religious establishment.