Via the Connexion:
THE INTERIOR minister Claude Guéant has been accused of Islamophobia and dishonouring France after saying the growing population of Muslims in the country 'poses problems'.
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"The question worries our citizens: there are many who think the rules of secularism are being stretched," said Guéant on a trip to Nantes.
"In 1905 [the year the separation of church and state was brought into law] there were few Muslims in France, today there are between five to 10 million.
"This growth of believers and certain types of practices pose problems. It is clear that prayers in the street shock a certain number of people and the leaders of major religions know that this type of practice affects them negatively," he said.
The organisation Banlieues Respect has been giving out five-pointed green stars to Muslims in districts of Paris, symbolising the stigma felt by the UMP's debate.
Socialist Party spokesman Benoît Hamon said Guéant "dishonoured" France.(source)
