The rector of the mosque of Paris Chems-eddine Hafiz qualified Thursday "
unacceptable
" the remarks of Marlène Schiappa suggesting that the imams would "
recognize
", with the Charter of Islam of France, the right for homosexual couples to marry.
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Asked about LCI on Wednesday, on the Charter of Principles for Islam in France, partially adopted within the Muslim faith, the Minister for Citizenship declared: “
This charter is binding (...) The idea is is to say how we engage in the fight against homophobia?
Does this mean that in the sermons, we will consider that two men have the right to love each other, to marry, as two women have the right to love each other and to marry, as the laws of the French Republic?
This is what this Charter says
, ”she said.
In a press release, the rector considers these statements "
incomprehensible and unacceptable
".
In this Charter, signed by 5 of the 9 federations of the French Council of Muslim Worship (CFCM), including the mosque in Paris, “
we recalled the principle of equality between all human beings (...), and we clearly have said that this implied the rejection of any discrimination linked to homosexuality,
”underlines Chems-eddine Hafiz.
Read also: Charter of imams: the criticisms of the three rebels
“
This charter is our business and I deny a minister the ability to dictate the sermons of imams.
What would remain of freedom of religion?
What would remain of secularism?
He says.
“
And then there is a big difference between refusing any discrimination, particularly on the grounds of sexual orientation, and joining same-sex marriage.
Like other monotheistic religions, Islam only recognizes marriage between people of different sexes.
No public or political authority can dictate a religious doctrine,
”he adds.
A "
deplorable
"
statement
The charter, adopted in January, stipulates that "
gender equality is a fundamental principle also attested by the Koranic text
".
Strongly pushed by Emmanuel Macron in his fight against "
separatism
", this text should in principle pave the way for the creation of a National Council of Imams responsible for "
labeling
" imams practicing in France.
In another press release, the Islamic Confederation Millî Görüs (CIMG) also considered this declaration "
deplorable
" and denounced "
once again the interference of politicians in religion
", in its eyes "
more bearable
".
For this federation, which has not ratified the charter, the minister's interpretations "
demonstrate in a striking manner that there are still points to be clarified in its content
".
The CIMG, a Turkish association, is also the association carrying the mosque project in Strasbourg which has been the subject since Tuesday of a pass of arms between the government and the mayor EELV.
