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See also Islamophobia

Islamophobia in France can be observed by the deliberate segregation and alienation of a minority group of practicing Muslims within the French community. Islam is often portrayed as being opposed to secularism and modernity. This establishes fear and distrust among the French public, leading to a greater presence of Islamophobia in France.

Islamophobia presents itself through censorship and political repression in France.

History

The French social sector has been infused with Islamophobic attitudes over the course of many years. Anti-Islamic views have developed through France’s historical tradition of segregation from other cultures and religions, alienating all who possess differences.

The collective notion of anti-Islamic attitudes embedded in French history have indirectly strengthened the dominating religion of Christianity since the 18^th century.

Through the growth in anti-Islamic notions among the French people, intellectual aggression has become a dominant norm against Islam in France.

Colonial roots of Islamophobia

During the 20^th century, France was a colonial power who occupied Islamic dominated regions in the Middle East. The French perceived Muslims as being too attached to the religion, which would ultimately affect their ability to integrate with the Laïcité ideology in French society. This resulted in French occupiers urging the ban of Islamic symbols, including face coverings. Islamophobic attitudes continue today and this can be attributed to French colonial roots which embodied views of segregation.

Culinary Legends

Main Article: Croissant Culinary Legends

Discriminatory views are deeply embedded in French history as evidenced by culinary legends which are infused with Islamophobic notions. For example, internationally associated with the French culture, the well known croissant pastry holds many Islamophobic stories of origin.

Incidence

Two mosques and one Muslim-owned kebab shop were attacked in France in January 2015.

Main article: Incidents of Islamophobia

Incidents of Islamophobia hinder the inclusion of Islamic individuals in France and reflect the poorly managed political and social sphere in relation to the issue of anti-Islamic issues in the country.

Statistics

• 121 Islamophobic incidents have been reported.^[2]    
• The government closed 19 Mosques.^[2]
• 4, 500 house arrests were made.^[2]
• 17, 393 people were joined to the Terrorism Prevention Database.^[2]

The Observatory of Islamophobia confirmed a 34.6% decrease in Islamophobic attacks in France in 2017. However, these numbers are not inclusive to the anti-Islamic attacks committed by the French state.

In the Justice System

Discriminatory French Laws are failing to recognise the anti-Islamic behaviour in the country. France has a regressive policy-making approach regarding any form of racism. Discrimination is embedded in the country’s justice system.

Fundamental rights for Muslims are considerably shrinking. The adherence to an ideological form of Laïcité has turned into an indirect target of Muslims. In turn, forces resisting it are unable to cope with the strength of the growth in this ideology. Political leaders emphasise that this is a protection of social cohesion within France, however it evidently affects the inclusion of Muslims .

Discriminatory Legislation

Burkini: Banned in French towns in 2016.

On the 11th April 2011, French Prime Minister François Fillon banned face veils from being worn in public spaces in France other than mosques, at home or when travelling as a passenger in a car.

On the 18^th August 2016, Prime Minister Manuel Valls supported municipal bans on Burkini swimwear which had been imposed in several French towns.

In October 2017, France introduced an Anti-Terrorism Bill which has authorised power for officials to search homes, restrict movement and close places of worship. The concept behind this bill has been commended by a United Nations human rights expert who also highlights the negative influence this may have over religious freedom. Additionally, Fionnuala Ni Aolain has raised concerns regarding the reinforced marginalisation of Muslims in France through the introduction of the bill.

Anti-discriminatory Legislation

Discriminatory acts against religious groups in France are denounced by legislature which promote equality. Some legislation & political groups which address the issue of discrimination against religious freedom in France include:

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

"Article X – No one may be disturbed for his opinions, even religious ones, provided that their manifestation does not trouble the public order established by the law".

The Preamble of the Constitution of 1946

"France shall form with the peoples of her Overseas Territories a Union based upon equality of rights and privileges, without distinction as to race or religion".

French Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination Commission

In the media

Islamophobic notions are perpetuated through the media’s negative exploration and demonic depiction of the Islamic religion in France.

State-owned media reinforces the presence of Islamophobic attitudes in France. For example, ‘France 2’ has allowed one of it’s well-known talk-shows to serve as a place safe to the representation of anti-Islamic ideas without backlash. On this show, Islam is a permanent topic.^[2]

This trend is also seen in state-owned radio in which Alain Finkielkraut speaks volumes on violent anti-Muslim rhetoric on his weekly show. Despite numerous direct attacks at the Islamic religion, host Finkielkraut has not been held accountable for his public display of discriminatory views by co-workers and managers or by the Ministry of Culture.^[2]

Individuals in support of anti-Islamic notions emphasise their right of freedom of speech to justify their hate-speech. However, these groups thrive on the pursuit to censor the public display of the Islamic religion.^[2]

In employment

Islamophobia in France perpetuates discrimination in all aspects of life including employment hindering opportunities in the workplace.^[2] Practicing Islamic individuals are prone to discrimination impacting their access to opportunities in the workplace. For example, Marie Anne Valfort reports that Islamic individuals are 4 times more likely to be discriminated against than those practicing other faiths.^[2]

Furthermore, there have been many reported cases of workplace Islamic discrimination against individuals.

“In La Rochelle (Atlantic Coast of France) ...a man’s employment was terminated by his employer after weeks of harassment for having a beard that was deemed a sign of religious extremism”.

“The Coordination against Racism and Islamophobia (CRI) has further reported 15 cases of anti-Muslim hate speech at work which went unreported.”^[2]

Islamophobic groups & notions

Anti-terrorist coordination unit – UCLAT

UCLAT fights against violent radicalisation and jihadist groups through raising awareness of the threat of radicalisation and the fight against jihadist activities. This initiative represents the French anti-terrorist community.

The Great Replacement

Main article: The Great Replacement

The term "The Great Replacement" was created by Renaud Camus in 2011 identifying immigration policies as the main issue affecting the shift in the demographics of France.

This term has since been used as the name of the manifesto for the Christ Church mosque shootings.

As a result, this term is becoming increasingly recognised, with white supremacist groups and right-wing politicians now using it to spread their anti-islamic ideologies in France. Muslim immigrants and refugees are at the core of this notion, identified as the main issue being addressed.

Strengthening the fear of Islam through focusing on Muslims as the problem mobilises the debate about the need for military intervention. This also allows for the spread of Islamophobic attitudes which condone limitations on the fundamental rights of Muslims.

See also

• Racism in France
• Islam in France
• Criticism of Islam
• Immigration to France