The French did this one RIGHT.

The French have indeed been very impressive lately. I particularly liked their ban on wearing hijabs and burqas in public. I can see prayer being a requirement of a religion. But not specific clothing.

This is FRENCH culture... NOT MUSLIM CULTURE. Ever heard the phrase, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."? Well when in Paris, do as the Parisians do.

I'm personally not very religious. But I think banning one's ability to promptly participate in their faith is wrong. If I wanted to put on tefillin and pray towards the rising sun each morning in public, I would want the ability to do that. Many days I hear Christian preachers trying to proselytize and tell damning stories on the streets--I absolutely hate them for doing it, but by all means, i want them to have that right. No one religion should be picked on, granted, this is in France not the US, but we're pretty close to doing something like this. Just because you don't like another faith's practice doesn't mean it should be targeted.

Great job France!

Next step, close all mosques, churches and synagogues.

This is not right and only paves the way for Muslim dictatorship when they become the majority in Europe. Just like French ban clothing, what if the Muslims do the same when Christians are the minority? These extremes are not good for the society. We need to encourage a culture that allows freedoms, not restrict them.

SECULAR STATES SHOULD DO WHAT THEY MUST! Freedom of religion does include not imposing your views of religion to the discomfort of another. It is the same for loud music or ANY other expression you have. You like music? Good, you enjoy it in your home. You want to play it at night and wake the neighborhood up? NO. You move to a neighborhood where they are up all night, or you learn to live.

Many religions have religious expressions that are ancient and stupid. Those religions either modernize and adapt, or get to die off. It isn't like you can't pray in a building, and if your religion says you have to pray outside, maybe you shouldn't live in France.

GET OVER YOUR RELIGIOUS EGOS. Pride is against every major religion I know of. Pride is what this is all about for the religious radicals.

muticulturalism is going to breed greater radicalisation of the far right wing of any country. its why there is such a hard right push in America currently.

There should be a sign in the street:

"Fanatics of all persuasion ... please keep your @!$%# to yourselves"!!!

A pair of working hands do more good than a thousand praying lips.

How about we get off our knees, unclench our hands, and get to work?

We have real problems to solve in the real world.

The time for "my god is better than your god" was cute for a while. But that time has passed.

Wow, really? Force their religion on people? Did anyone ever come put a gun to your head and tell you to accept their religion or die? Did someone even come knock on your door trying to give you pamphlets or ask you if you needed any work done?...

Oh yeah, Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses have that market cornered.

chad-1841583 - Exactly! The time for believing in fairy tales is long past.

BRAVO!!!!!! Well Stated. The closed minded feel that they're the only ones that should have liberty of conscience and that they have the right to control everyone elses (not sure who gave them that right), but the constitution says that ALL men are created equal regardless of race, religion or creed and though it doesn't apply to France....this does. GOD is no respector of persons and that comes straight from the Bible.

Wow, really? Force their religion on people? Did anyone ever come put a gun to your head and tell you to accept their religion or die?

Actually, yes.

If you go back far enough, almost every religion shared this privilege.

"Believe in our god or die" was a mainstream concept back then. It's only after countless struggles of secular progress and enlightened values that we have surpassed this.

It's an ancient fight .... but one still alive and well today. And one I am proud to partake in.

There should only be a problem if the number of Muslims praying in the street is so large as to impede the ordinary traffic in said street. I have no problem with a Muslim man or woman praying on the sidewalk right in front of me, just so long as there is room for me to walk past them. Public expressions of faith should be protected just as much as private expressions of faith, but remember that your right to swing your fist ends as my nose. Express your faith all you want in public just so long as you aren't getting in my (or anyone else's) way by doing so (or breaking any health and safety laws, public decency laws, security laws, etc).

I can't wait for some idiot yakking on a cell phone to trip over some idiot bent over a rug on the sidewalk. Talk about a religious war in the making.

Thank you France for having the courage to maintain your culture.

Go France. Now if we can do the same here in America and around the rest of the world, we all would be much better off.

Especially in Los Angeles were these religious freaks stand on the street corners praying and yelling bible verses at the people and passerby's, and condemning people to hell if they do not follow their bs beliefs.

These people shouldn't be allowed to block the walkways of all others as they are doing in the pics above. If you want to pray, take it home or to your church.

At first I was outraged, as militant an atheist as I am, freedom is freedom man, and how would they stop someone from praying in public!? Your sky-fairy is important to you? Go for it!

Then I realized these folks were blocking sidewalks, and actually being a public nuisance/danger. Then I became less outraged, and a bit more supportive of such a ban. Sorry folks, when your religion impedes others' daily lives, you should be restricted appropriately.

France now has bigger balls than the United States.

What is wrong with this picture? (Not the picture in the headline caption.) Let's just hope France "enforces" this law to its fullest extent.

I don't really care where you pray as long as it doesn't cause an inconvenience to others, which this so obviously does, so get the hell out of the way. Strange to say this, but good job France.

Jon,

It's actually a fallacy that France is a bit on the "softer" side. I know we like to think of them as perpetual "surrenderes". France actually has quite an aggressive black-ops system, as well as special forces. One that many people would confirm as being pretty bad-ass (for lack of a better word.) It's a shame they are not given more credit.

Yes, this had to be done. They block the roads and sidewalks, and that is not their right. Plan to pray so that it is not a public nuisance. I wonder if they will enforce the law, especially in Nice and Marseille, in the face of large groups of confrontational Muslims.

Banning the prayer of one religion opens the door for government to ban prayer for all religions.

Wrong.

Pray all you want.

Hell ... you can spend your days rolling around in fairy dust if it serves you purpose.

It's only when your superstitions impede the rights of others that you will find an issue. In this case, entire sidewalks and streets are being blocked.

A Messenger-2926105

Banning the prayer of one religion opens the door for government to ban prayer for all religions.

I have no problem with that.

People really need to read the article before jumping to conclusions.

France banned praying in the PUBLIC STREETS. Muslims are still allowed to pray, just not when and where every they feel like praying.

This is a safety issue and nothing else.

I am all for freedom of religion but when you are completely blocking a public sidewalk to pray every Sunday that is selfish. if they want to pray do like everyone else does, in the church or in their home. Don’t block streets and sidewalks that others use.

The thing i don’t like about the muslim faith is they feel they are above all others and their needs comes before those of their communities. The French government gave them a place to worship, yet they are complaining. What other religion is given freely two location by the government to pray at. That is not fair, yet once again they feel they can do what they want and where they want. forget about everyone else.

Just like in the US they complain about companies firing them for wearing their gear even though they knew when they were hired that they had strict uniform regulations. like that women that tried to sue Disney. Why do they get special treatment. All they have to say is we are being racist or discriminating against their religion and everyone runs. If you don’t like the RULES THAN MOVE. why should an entire society bend to meet their needs. They should bend to the rules of the country they chose to live in and respect their neighbors. not force their public display of religion and block streets. once again i find them very selfish.

Nice job, France. I personally think your women's un-shaven armpits is a bit funky but you got this one right.

chad-1841583

Jon,

It's actually a fallacy that France is a bit on the "softer" side. I know we like to think of them as perpetual "surrenderes". France actually has quite an aggressive black-ops system, as well as special forces. One that many people would confirm as being pretty bad-ass (for lack of a better word.) It's a shame they are not given more credit.

Chad, I lived in France... it was meant as somewhat of a joke. : )

Actually, I think it would be fun to run down the sidewalk while they're all praying. It'd be kind of like Double-Dare.

"RumbleBee2470

Nice job, France. I personally think your women's un-shaven armpits is a bit funky but you got this one right."

When was the last time you visited France ? the 1930s ? Oh nevermind, you NEVER visited it.

As for all the ignorants here who insult France for its WWII era, you should read the whole story and realize that France had no chance unlike England being an island.

You feel shameful to say "good job France", then don't look at your american flag anymore jackasses.

Hey for all you people who think this is a great idea all the more power to you.

Okay lets make sure there's no prayer in schools (a public place), at sporting events, in government meetings, public parks.

Or does this only apply to the "other guys" religion?

Try reading the article. It's not about religious freedom it's about street safety.

It is not logical to believe that you can have equality for all faiths. Other faiths don't REQUIRE you to kill, lie, and use other means in order to advance your beliefs like Islam does. This is a fact; read the Quran (get it in Arabic and have a trusted friend read it to you). The translations printed from Arabic to English have "watered down" the parts that actually discuss all the violence toward Jews, Christians, women, and ANYBODY WHO REJECTS Islam. TO be a practicing Muslim is to follow the dictates of the Quran, and the Quran requires that you advance your faith by any and all means possible. The irony is that when they have the same rights as the peaceful ideaologies, religions, and beliefs, Isalm will gain a foothold to advance their violent ideology, after that foothold is voting power, and then the removal of everyone else's rights. I am glad to see France taking some action, now American, NYC specically, MUST do the same.

ColoTex, The Muslim and Amish teachings simply tell their followers to dress modestly. 1. How is dressing like a "beekeeper" necessary to be modest? Ever see a modern American Catholic nun? 2. Please explain to ALL of us what is pridefull and unmodest about buttons. 3. Do you actually think any god cares if or how you shave your face? 4. Does any god care if your telephone is in the house or in a small shed out in your front yard? 5. Does any god need to hear from you 5 times a day?

cgtrav--

There is already a ban on pray in schools unless it is a private school. Sporting events dont count either because you have a choice to pay the fee to see the game and these are not government owned teams. Though there are bans on praying at public sporting events especially when it is a public school sporting event. Also praying during government meetings is very strict. you can not specifically name your god, it has to be a generic prayer.

Besides that I dont see any other religion going out every Friday and blocking streets and sidewalks to pray. that is the case here not their religion, also pointing out that the French government gave them spaces to pray at. Lets not turn this into something it is not. They are blocking public street ways and public sidewalks so they can practice their religion.

As a Pastafarian, I must say I am appalled. People should be allowed to worship His Noodliness whenever and wherever they choose. Ra-men!

I personally have been to United Arab Emirates(all), Iraq, Saudi, Kuwait. When it is time to pray, everything stops, where they are, and straight to praying. You will sit quietly until they are done, then back to business as usual. I respect that they take their religion that seriously!! I pray to my god, but I don't stop everyone from moving around me like a fool! However, common sense should win over every argument in life, especially this one. You know you are doing this in public to get looked at!! The whole world has turned into a " oh look at me I have a harley, im praying, im muslim, my parents have money, im different look at me"! F'n nobody gives a s&*#, ur still a dork and always will be! Oh, and to all the people wearing AFFLICTION, and TAP OUT shirt's.......we know ur a P@$$^!!!!!!

getalifeamerica.

I agree with the ban if it's for secular reasons such as blocking the sidewalks as appears the case here. It just irks me to see so many people only look at the one side of it. When it comes to thier own faiths they fight for thier right to pray anywhere and everywhere, when it comes to some other "heathen" faith they have a problem.

People really need to keep an open mind and remove thier blinders or in some cases remove thier heads from where they have them. The "I'm right" and "you're wrong" attitude is what gets people in trouble.

Ray,

That was a pretty funny rant.

Odd, off-topic and little creepy ... but funny ;)

Desperate actions by France. As I stated in some of my previous comments, you can't go to North Africa and praise democracy and then fail to implement in your own yard or use as a discrimination against the others. It will hunt you. Either you treat all equally or the conflicts will be inevitable.

By the way, I am too agreeing with many here that France's action is good, but am thinking differently. Muslims do not deserve to pray on the street where mostly it is dirty, leave alone the hardship caused to the others. French Muslims: Now reach to your pocket and buy the best place for your pray, that's what you deserve not the streets.

Duck.... Duck.... Duck.... GOOSE!!!!

Baisse mon cul (or kiss my ass), as the Parisians say.

Good for them.

meanest one said "Did anyone ever come put a gun to your head and tell you to accept their religion or die?"

Have you read the quran lately? That's EXACTLY what it says.

cgtraw--

I do agree that people are one way when it comes to religion but I have no religion to speak of. I give respect to those that deserve respect. The problem in this case is that they chose to block public streets and sidewalks and have no respect for their fellow neighbors rights. If Jewish, Christian, Buddhist or any other religion was doing this i would still feel the same way. If they want others to respect their way of life than they have to respect others way of life and have the common sense to know that it is not fair nor respectful to block public streets and sidewalks in the name of their religion. Wouldn’t you agree.

This is the problem I have with the muslim faith. In Iraq (which i have been too) the Muslims make up the larger part of the population and when you are there you are forced to be respectful of their customs. Women especially, i was not treated very well their because i am an American and I dont dress or act like them nor do i believe anything they believe. So they treat you as an outcast. Yet they go to other countries that let them believe in their faith freely and they expect them to let them do exactly what muslims do in the middle east. that makes no sense to me. they make you be respectful in muslims countries to their religion and treat you like crap but get upset because people in a predominantly catholic country want to walk and drive down their own streets without having to make a detour to get around them. And yes they are going to treat you different just like middle east treats every other religion. well maybe not as harshly

How many times do millions of people have to be surprised? I mean, why do Muslims not PLAN out their days so that they KNOW where they are going to be at prayer time (i.e, plan on being inside your house/business/private place)? Why does it always seem to sneak up on them, then they have to drop down in the middle of the street to pray? It's like a whole bunch of bumbling idiots saying "2pm! Oh my goodness! I am so surprised! It's not like I've been doing this 5x a day for years!" Sheesh.

I have a hard time with this one. While I want every religion to practice in freedom (mine included), Islam is a credible and viable threat to the Western world. If they keep taking over you can bet the farm that there will soon be few freedoms left under Islamic law.

So we gather 20 Frogs together in front of Gendarmarie (the police station) and have them all chant "Pater noster qui habitat in cielo..." (might be incorrect spelling since my French is "rusty" - but that is intended to be the catholic lord's prayer in French) and have someone go in and bring out the gendarmes to arrest the,. Any bets as to whether or not it would happen?

The 5 times a day prayer is at slightly different times each day. I think it's because Muslim use a lunar calender. That's what the muzzein is for so Muslims don't have to remember what time the prayers are. They don't have to block the sidewalk. Even the koran says if you can't safely take time to prayer a quick nod and a moment of thought towards mecca meets the obligation.

getalifeamerica.

Understood but two wrongs don't make a right. I'd like to think we and the French are better then they are, more fair and even handed. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you NOT the other way around.

But I did agree with you about the ban since the praying on the sidewalks was causing a public hazard.

The Chinese don't play around. They arrested a lot of religious people that took their beliefs and religions to the streets on Easter. They enforce their rules of law there. We all should learn something from them.

http://www.care2.com/causes/china-arrests.html

When I looked at the picture in Nice where the sidewalk was totally blocked by praying people, I can certainly see their point. Personally, I don't see the point of praying in public in any way shape or form, but then again, I don't see the point of all this superstituous nonsense. I get equally annoyed by people who have to make a point of praying in a restaurant (no, god didn't cook or serve the meal) or in public schools. There is plenty of time and opportunity to pray at home or, if you want company, go to church or some other religious building. Really, assuming there is a god (who knows), he/she does not care.

JeffP14...says..."I'm personally not very religious. But I think banning one's ability to promptly participate in their faith is wrong. If I wanted to put on tefillin and pray towards the rising sun each morning in public, I would want the ability to do that"

Article Quote...

"For years, Muslims by the hundreds, dodging foot and vehicle traffic, have unfurled rugs on northern Paris sidewalks and put their foreheads to the ground outside two mosques for Friday prayers"

Freedom of religious expression must be balanced with the rights of others and public safety. According to the above quote, and in looking at the photos of jammed/blocked streets in Nice, France, it seems clear that this practice of taking over the streets for prayer sessions not only prevents the foot and vehicle traffic from getting through, which the public has a right to expect to be able to navigate the streets on Fridays, but also poses a public safety hazzard. What if an ambulance needs to get to someone on the street?...or what if a car trying to get through hits someone they do not see because they are down on the ground with their head to the concrete? I think it sounds like France is attempting to remedy a big problem while still attempting to help provide a place where the Muslims can safely practice their religion and perform their Friday prayers. Actually, France is being very generous in assisting with that solution...legally, I would think they do not have to provide a structure for the use of a religious organization...they could simply ban the mass street praying that makes the roads and sidewalks impassable and unsafe, and leave it up to the Muslim religous leaders to purchase/provide a place for their followers to practice the religious requirements.

It's interesting how many here seem to be in favor of this decision (I am too). Interesting because if this was banning a Christian custom, 99.999999999999999% of the responses would be about how today's generation has no morals, how we live in a police state, and how nobody has a right to say where a person can pray, and about how if you don't believe in God, then get the hell out of America, and One Nation Under God, and In God We Trust, and all that other nonsense. Funny how the attitude is different when it's somebody else's made-up god.

@getalifeamerica,

You hit the nail on the head!

You always read these little stories about how a foreign dignitary comes to visit America, and maybe our American host makes a cultural faux pas, like using a common gesture in America, not realizing that in the guest's homeland, the gesture is offensive, I don't know, like shaking hands might be offensive in their country, or wearing a certain color. Guess what? You're in OUR country, so you follow OUR customs, don't expect them to follow YOURS in their own house! When our guys visit you at your place, then they can do it your way.

It's an obligation for Muslims to attend this communal prayer once a week (look up Jummah Prayer). Of course God is everywhere, but this is about praising God in communal manner, just Christian do on Sunday and Jews do on Sabbath.

Because they cant advertise then.

Does seem a little "exhibitionist-ish."

Actually, I don't know that there's any requirement to pray en masse. In Saudi, the muslims just prayed where ever they happened to be at prayer time.

I don't care what religion someone is, you can't block the street or sidewalk.

It about taking over the society pal.....It always was. Just read your history on this movement

Seems very symbolic of their attitude of making sure their religion gets in everybody else's way.

Christians have enough, and big enough churches, if Muslims dont plan properly its not their right to disrupt public spaces. NO group should have that right, religious or otherwise.

@ Just about every poster above me

Wow seriously? Churches dont block traffic on Sundays though?

meanest one:

No more than the mall does on Black Friday or any other major sales day. And if they do, they get cited for it.

Wisely said All That is....you are among the few here who see the unity of it all.

Namaste from this Hindu.

But this belief ignores the fact that nearly every culture throughout history has set aside certain places for prayer, whether a rock formation we call Stonehenge, a temple, church or mosque. Nothing prevents one from praying at home, on a bus or on the space shuttle, however, it's communal prayer that brings some of us together.

Just like the ban on head scarves, this prohibition is evil considering the French people are no longer a religious nation. It seems that the Sarkozy regime wants all people in the country to be as non-religious as the French.

Church blocks traffic on Sundays? Uh, no, they don't. If you say they do you'd have to say the same about a movie theater, concert, play etc etc. Are they adding to traffic, sure...are they blocking it? No.

Well Mike757, I invite you try and leave my drive-way 4 houses down from a church when a service or any other function is going on. Then you may change your opinion about whether churches block traffic. I mean, I do love a parade as much as the next person, however, if theywere such good christians, they might considering yielding to the locals. But I digress.

I love it. Move 4 houses down from a church (or theater, stadium, grocery store, etc) then complain that people go there.

NicoleC, I do remember an article in the Washington Post about churchgoers blocking people's driveways and defending themselves with the "we're here to worship" card. Bollocks. So, skeptical-1619418, it has nothing to do with a parade of cars on Sunday morning, it's about self-righteous churchgoers thinking it's okay to block other people's driveways. Those same people would raise hell if they were blocked in the church parking lot after services.

Because there are so many foolish religions God has begun assigning prayer times to each. Not your time, he's not listening.

Intention is to bring the community together.

Interestingly, it was the need for Christian Monks to pray at certain times of day (and night) that lead to the development of reliable mechanical timekeeping devices because, unlike the Middle-East, sundials weren't practical in cloudy Europe. This lead to the regimented work day schedule that helped create the Western Industrial Revolution, and the development of reliable timekeeping for ships which was a boon to navigation, exploration, and trade.

So what separates Christians from Muslims? Bad weather! ;)

A timed event brings the masses together, kind of like zero hour when launching an attack

Muslim history betrays Muslim intent. Their history is one of conquest, intimidation, and outright violence. Compare this cult to say Buddhism, day and night.

I'm so relieved that the history of christianity is not one of conquest, intimidation, and outright violence!

OFF with Steve's head

Burn the heretic! Burn the heretic! No, no--HIM, not ME!!

Thanks, Steve, I knew all that Christian history of inquisitions, witch trials, the Holocaust of the 20th Century, the mass murder of Native Americans and even killing each other each other (Northern Ireland for one small example) was a bunch of liberal, progressive lies!

Just tune in to Fox News and Rush Limbaugh and attend the Church of Perry and Bachman, and all will be well!

Did you forget the crusades buddy?

Opps...."ScienceCzar" is a little "rough around the edges" when it comes to the history of the holocaust, calling it "Christian history".

Hitler decried Christianity. He thought it a weak kneed religion. He hated it and openly praised islam. He knew how bloody islam was and that it's very tenets were to terrorize and conquer it's enemies. He wanted islam to be the religion of the German nation so that he could murder, without his people having a religious consious about it. That was why he signed a treaty with the mufti of Jerusalem to round up Jews in the holy land and created a muslim SS brigade in Bosnia to do the same.

No, the holocaust was not "Christian history" as it was orchestrated by a man that hated Christianity and instead embraced islam.

To all you ancient Christian bashers,I notice you are living in Christian countries try living in Muslim countries and talk the same @!$%#.

Whenever anyone wants to ridicule Christianity they start on the crusades. What many do not understand is that the Muslims beat the Christians hands down when it comes to crusades. When Muslims first left Africa and the middle East and headed into Southern Europe it was "Believe them or die". They took over the Holy lands, invaded Spain, France and parts of Italy. So lets not think that Crusades is just a Catholic event. It's not.

While I believe in a Freedom of Religion for all, I do understand how thousands of Men bowing in the streets and on the sidewalks during a morning rush hour would be distracting to most. I think it's great and very understanding of the French to provide them with place of worship. France has always been a predominately Catholic country, so they are being very nice about it.

Hitler was a christian. He praised Christianity and thought the catholic church was necessary for the social structure of Germany. He grew up in Hapsburg Austrian which was a Catholic Empire. Nazis worked hand in hand with the German Catholic Church. Hitler issued decrees adopting church law as German law for example outlawing abortion, violently anti homosexual, corporal punishment spread to public schools. There was/is a strong line of Antisemitism in Germany that runs from Martin Luther to the Nazis. In some ways when Vatican II reversed centuries of teaching blaming Jews for christs death I wondered if the knowledge that blaming Jews for christs death was a major contributor to the Holocaust. Vatican II was started by Pope John XXIII who succeeded Pius XII who had connections to Germany's right wing politics since the end of WWI. Hitler himself may not have believed in Catholicism but that in no way nullifies the many ways he used christianity overtly and subvertly to support his aims. From mixing crosses and swastikas to "God With Us" army belt buckles Hitler wrapped himself and his party in the cross with the cooperation of the church. Pius XII ordered the Catholic Center Party to support Hitler in 1932/33 and their vote block was the difference in Hitler being Chancellor and they voted for the Enabling Act.

That Hitler and the Nazis were not christians is one of the greatest snow jobs perpetrated in the post war world by christians who desperately wanted to avoid the accurate linking of them and the horrors of Nazism culminating with the Holocaust.

Hitler was a sadistic, power-hungry sociopath who used Christianity as part of a ruse to manipulate the German people who were living in a severely economically depressed country.

The History Channel has been showing an award-winning documentary entitled "The Third Reich - The Rise and Fall" that chronicles the events that took place before, during, and after Hitler and the Nazis came into power in Germany. This is a remarkable two-part documentary using the actual words and film footage of the German people and soliders during WWII, and tells about an evil man with a selfish agenda who attempted to take over not only Europe, but possibly the entire world.

A Christian is someone who follows the teachings of Christ, not just someone who claims to be one. Anybody can claim that.

So your belief and religion is the only one that's right? Muslims have different requirements, one that includes prayer at given times of the day. The French brought this on themselves from the Colonization days. Much the same way the British have brought on their current issues. But while I see many people applauding what the French are doing, I guess everyone is overlooking that this is a step backwards in religious freedom. What's next for the French? Ban Jews from wearing yarmulkes? Ban Christians from wearing crucifixes? Ban non-religious hippies still stuck in the 60's from wearing peace-signs? Enough already with the intolerance towards others' beliefs.

It is not intolerance to insist that throngs of people do not clog sidewalks and streets, it is a matter of public safety. Your freedoms do not extend into the realm of infringing upon the rights of others.

If there are "throngs" of people then it would indicate there are huge numbers of Muslims. To ignore their customs is intolerant and disrespectful but obviously your mileage varies. FWIW I've never seen a Muslim at prayer time simply drop his mat in the middle of a sidewalk. The ones I see tend to move to one side and are no more of a nuisance than the "throngs" of mimes in Paris. You may feel it isn't an intolerance because so far nothing is aimed at your religion or non-religion. Sooner or later, your beliefs may fall victim to one of these new laws somewhere. Then you'll be sitting back scratching your head wondering what hit you.

Voter:

Did you not see the pictures? The Muslims pictured are completely blocking the sidewalk.

Even as an atheist, I say that if you want to pray in public, by all means, knock yourself out. But if I want to walk by while you pray on that public sidewalk, there better be room for me to get by. Or if emergency vehicles need to get down a public street where people are praying, there better be room for them to get by.

It's a public safety/public nuisance problem.

The picture is, obvious to me anyways, very misleading. I see a bunch of people unable to enter the place they wish to worship at due to overcrowding. Doesn't seem to me to be that much different than the huge throngs of Christians in various locations around the world say during Easter. The solution, again obvious to me, is to work with them and find a larger establishment for them to use for prayers. Compromise instead of legislating would have gone a long way to showing willingness to cooperation.

Like I said above everyone's mileage varies, but most are jumping on the bandwagon of cheering for this because it fuels their anti-Muslim beliefs that have been instilled in them through fear and media persistence.

I am also wondering what neighborhood it's in. If the majority of the population in that particular district is nearly 100% Muslim (as is often the case in some of the French neighborhoods) then the only ones affected are those subscribing to that religion. To object in that instance would be like me going to Vatican City during a Papal conclave and complaining about the huge numbers of Catholics hanging around blocking my access to sight see.

No - Voter in LA - Stay off the streets and build or purchase yourself a church like everyone else does. I guess it is easier to stop up the streets so they are given a building so that they get out of everyone's way. I know that's not why they did it. But why did they do it? Did they see everyone in France stopping with the same religious practices and filling the sidewalks? No! They just did it. Hmmm.

Voter-in-LA:

The solution, again obvious to me, is to work with them and find a larger establishment for them to use for prayers.

Why can't those that are running their current establishment go out themselves and find a bigger building since the one they are using is obviously not adequate? Why is it up to someone else to find it for them? I'm sure they are more than capable of doing it themselves.

And it's not the same as Christians who go to church on Easter, unless they are out of the building and in the sidewalks/streets blocking the way of others who pass by their establishment. Then I would say the same thing to them. They need to leave room for others to get by, especially for emergency vehicles/personnel.

If the church isn't big enough for your congregation, get a bigger church. It's not up to the government or anyone else to find it for you.

Richard did you see this one?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-864522917532871834#

imrightnotyou

Yes I have. the short documentary serves as a reality check for those that believe all Muslims are harmless.

yeah, muslims. that's who was at my door last saturday morning, waking me up and forcing they're religion on me and questioning me on if i knew the whereabouts of jesus.

/sarcasm

HATR - Put out a no soliciting sign. They aren't "forcing" their religion on you any more than the Kirby Vacuum cleaner folks are forcing you to buy their product.

muslims aren't forcing their religion on you. they didn't ask you to participate, they only ask for the ability to observe their religion. people physically coming to my house trying to get me to come to their church is more of an example than someone praying on a sidewalk.

I'm with HATR_HURTER on this one. Anybody else lose track of how many times their "secular" high school had said "our prayers are with x" over the morning announcements?

Kinda like the crusades , eh Richard? Or the slaughter in Northern Ireland? All religion is crap once it starts to be used as a tool to opress others.

upstate John

Correct, and you'll really come to grips with it when your carrying around you own personal pray rug.

HATR- Praying in church isn't clogging the city sidewalks and streets. The issue is not the praying; it is the CLOGGING. The Muslims should get together and rent some empty buildings. I respect their devotion, but not when they disrespect others.

Destruction of the USA by being to apathetic.

They let Hitler grow and grow and grow thinking he was benign and thinking they were not affected.

Then his infiltration into all aspects of Europe was realized almost too late.

@Mars: Your statement could apply almost equally to the U.S.

The article suggests that there is not enough space to accomodate the Muslims who are praying outside.

And BTW, Your disgusting. Why the hell are against them or any one else way of worship. This is a freedom.

Simply put its about taking over society, showing a strong influence.

Freedom stops when it interferes with somebody else's freedom-- like walking on the sidewalk.

@Mars

Because it is disrespectful to everyone else who is not Muslim. Pray in your own homes or churches,mosques etc.. What is disgusting is the fact that some religious demand the respect of others while giving no respect in return. If you need to pray then make accommodation's to do it outside of the public venue. Your idea of freedom obviously does not include everyone.

Dude.....Paris doesn't have enough mosques to accomodate all the devotees... This is the scene of Friday prayer.... It is obligatory for muslims to offer communal prayer on fridays just like christians do on sundays... Other days they offer prayer at their homes or workplaces but on Fridays due to less number of mosques they do on the streets... Try to be informed before you comment on the topics.. ciao

There is no such thing as freedom. If the world had total freedom it would be a world of anarchy. Our "freedom" is guided a society of culture and values. As we know cultures differ all over the world and I don't see a problem with that as long as we respect those cultures.

When it comes to religious beliefs most westerners respect those cultures of other countries even if they don't agree with them. The same should apply when non-western people visit and live in Europe.

I am not a religious person but most of Europe's values were built on christian values. These values should not have to changed to accommodate all other world religions.

European countries are very tolerant and accepting of different people and religions but at some point you have to say 'no'. I think we've gone too far in trying to accommodate every religion. Yes we need to progress as a society but not by treading on our core values and principles.

Anyway, just my two cents...

How is it disrespectful to me? If he wants to stand on on leg while chanting aloud, what do I care? It's not my problem, and I resent that you are trying to make it my problem. No, it is not disrespectful to me.

They are praying in the streets because they do not have enough mosque space to accommodate them, not out of some kind of conspiracy to "force their religion" on you. If you think that's the case, you're the conspiracy nut.

Although, I don't understand why they don't build more mosques/prayer halls.

European countries are very tolerant and accepting of different people and religions but at some point you have to say 'no'. I think we've gone too far in trying to accommodate every religion. Yes we need to progress as a society but not by treading on our core values and principles.

Obviously they're not very tolerant or accepting. They've banned burqas. They're banning rituals that are deemed mandatory in their religion. They've banned the wearing of kippot, hijabs and large crosses in public primary and secondary schools. What's next? Too many walking to a synagogue on the sidewalks? The only thing they are doing right in France appears to be that they are offending equally.

I have an Idea ,don't move to France,I have another Idea if you move to my country think about becoming a citizen of said country and don't bring your country and expect people to treat you like they did in your home country.

Because god said in the bible that the kids of ishmael were going to be wild people!!!

Because a few of them flew some airplanes into some buildings. You asked why - I'm telling you why.

If this were Jews/Hindus or anyone else it would not be news, because there would be no ban on them practicing their beliefs.

Non sequitur, they don't pray in the street. Also I would hardly call a restriction on Muslims one sided since Muslim countries have similar restrictions on other religions in their countries.

See in Islam you can not do things such as dress like a whore, men can't dress as effeminates, you can't do drugs and drink, you shouldn't smoke, you can't fornicate or commit sodomy.

You can't do that in Christianity either. Well, at least your not supposed to but Christians don't take the law into their own hands and stone people to death because their skirt is too high.

The rest of your statement is rhetorical so I will leave it at that.

Because the media knows if it reports on controversy about Islam, then people will read it. People read it, then the media gets paid. Fearmongering is a multi-million dollar business.

oil

@Mars

It can easily be said it's because Islam is at war with the world. You have a very one sided view of the issue and obviously hate anyone that does not agree with anything some Muslims do.

Your statement about Jew/Hindus is completely unfounded, in fact some orthodox Jews were kicked of a plane for refusing sit for take off because they were preforming some sort of ceremony. The things you talk about people doing are also considered wrong in the Christian religion, as well as others, and you will find that some Christians and Muslim do these things anyways. Even many of the non-religious believe those things to be wrong. So again you have a very one sided view that is completely unfounded and the spread of Islam is not going to change any of that.

To your last comment, Islam and religion in general do keep people ignorant depending on the individuals interpretation of said religion. Or do you believe someone strapping a bomb to their body and killing innocent people is an enlightened point of view?

@Mars,

You said "See in Islam you can not do things such as dress like a whore, men can't dress as effeminate, you can't do drugs and drink, you shouldn't smoke, you can't fornicate or commit sodomy."

Too bad many of the Islamic men don't follow these rules in one of the most traditional Islamic countries. On Thursdays and Fridays (Saudi weekends) there is a traffic jam over the causeway to Bahrain to fornicate with women and drink alcohol. Some men take fornication a step further and since it is a sin to fornicate with a woman they abuse young boys because it's not considered the same.

Sorry to disagree with you Mars, but Islam is at war with the West not the other way around. As a muslim, which I assume you are, you would know that. So stop trying to be so disingenuous with your comments. No one is buying it.

ms-984397, you're perpetuating a common myth: not all of Islam is "at war" with us. There are simply fanatics and factions that are. This has been an issue long coming. Radicals for various reasons became the tutors for the younger ones and thus created the view held by many that all subscribing to that religion are the same.

@trilliondollar, because we all know that Catholic priests never have abused young boys, right? Does that mean all Priests are abusers? You seem to be willing to make that leap for Muslims real quick.

And before any of you try to draw the conclusion I too must be Muslim: nope not at all. I am just a person who simply is willing to respect those of other religions and customs in the same fashion I would like them to treat and respect me. Whether they do or not is not enough of a cause for me to change my ways however. Some of you title yourselves religious but appear to be condemning of others for non-conformity.

Voter ,not for a minute do I believe you are not Muslim and while we are at it tell me what Muslim country shows us in a favorable light? How many Christian Churches are in Muslim countries? You can try and defend Muslims all you want, but actions speak louder then words.

Yeah too bad we don't have the power to more effective discriminate against people who are different in some way, shape or form right here in the good ole U.S. of A. Go frogs.

Still astonished by the negativity of american bigots about french people (not "frogs" please WTF ???!)

We need a ban here on idiots and inbredding that produces morons like m-612920.

sorry but praying at church is a public display too. if we ban this in america too then we need to ban if for all religions, not just the ones you agree with.

That would be inbreeding, since you choose to call others morons...

Not sure where you are from Mars, but maybe its time to go back. I may be wrong that you are from somewhere else, but it doesn't seem as if English is your first language. That and the fact that America is not a country that you seem to particularly approve of or even like.

so a rib woman WAS convinced by a talking snake to eat from a magical tree?

Yeah right! What a rube!

mdsj, can you please provide the verse for your statement? Also, is "the scarlet" only used in a certain translation? I am interested in how the color scarlet equates to religions.

Sorry typo/brain fart. Harlot. LOL.

And its all in Revelation chapter 17. It actually gives the full description and explanation. And the scarlet colored wild beast are the governments of the world/UN.

Good point!

Subject to interpretation.

Religion, the great divider of people.

There is no doubt in my mind the world would be a better place without the fantacy of a god and those that claim to speak for them.

It's rubbish.

It is very clear, if you are a Christian.

I dont care-- until you block the streets.

so what is church on sunday then? yeah, i thought so hypocrites.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Then why are there 47 channels of preachers on sunday morning television.

Well, if all that didn't work for you?..... I guess you really would have no excuse during the day of judgement.

Maybe France should come up with a way to send some of these people back to where ever they came from and then there would be less of a problem with trying to integrate those who have no desire to be a part of that country.

I couldn't agree more.

I agree as well, but France allowed this unfettered Muslim immigration and it can’t be undone. France has committed national suicide. If we don't come to our senses, we're likely next.

Living in France, I couldn't agree more with you. They DON'T want to assimilate. Only taking welfares.

Direct assault on another country's culture that's not your own is NOT A WISE THING TO DO! Don't like it?.. go back home.

Wrong. France was founded as a Catholic country and by extension their right to support Catholicism or other Christian faiths. By the way, Christians do not pray in the streets unless you're some extremist or have a few nuts loose. They are not hypocrites for upholding FRENCH CULTURE!

live in saudi arabia and see if you can do that in the name of your religion..... thats right. you cant. you are not even allowed to wear a cross, take a bible into the country and there are certainly no places for you to pray, unless you are a muslim. saudi arablia is 100% muslim and do not recognize any other religion. i lived there for 3 years.

Right! Christians are killed and jailed in other countries simply for being Christian.

France is anti-religion BECAUSE they were formed as a catholic country. Their revolution was against the 1st (clergy) and 2nd (nobility) estates.

Ha ha ha, made my day, and I noticed too, in need of polish - for unemployed, job opportunity here!

The athiest has spoken! There's one on every blog! Unforgiven is right. Go to the light! (seriously)

So you believe in bigfoot, Santa and unicorns?

I believe in SANTA!! and I dont want to hear anyone say he doesn't exist!

Don't forget the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny!

Sorry! I was tired and bashed an athiest. No. I believe in God. The one true God. And I don't care what you're reply could be.

Got that right. When are the progressives going to learn that multiculturalism does not work. We in the US need to get back to the mentality that if you want to come to the US to live 1) become a citizen the legal way and 2) Assimilate!!!!!

NO one should ever choose to live in a country that they have no intention of assimilating into. The only reason anyone would choose to live in a country that goes against everything they believe in would be to change that country. And that is what is happening all over the world with muslims.

The only reason anyone would choose to live in a country that goes against everything they believe in would be to change that country. And that is what is happening all over the world with muslims.

Explain to me exactly what is it White America is trying to instill in Iraq/Afghanistan? Could it be their (White America) Western style of democracy?

ColoTex, I have never heard of Amish terrorist, they live their lives without converging in public to pray and they stay within their own community because of how they believe. Actually they don't want outsiders in but they don't try to hurt those that don't live like them.

Good job France. Either adjust to your host country's rules, or go the hell home!