Security bill backed by French Cabinet
The Cabinet of French President Emmanuel Macron has approved a draft bill targeting radical Islam that would clamp down on polygamy and forced marriage.
The bill “bolstering the principles of the Republic” introduces a raft of new measures as part of the French President’s drive to get tough on those who foster “separatism” from society.
Foreigners will be denied residency in France if found to be polygamous and spouses will see marriages cancelled if authorities conclude they are forced, under the proposed legislation.
The text, which was completed after an Islamist beheaded teacher Samuel Paty outside Paris in October, also makes it a crime to intimidate public servants on religious grounds.
School, under the new law, will be obligatory from the age of 3 with home schooling for special cases only. The measure is aimed at preventing parents enrolling children in underground Islamic facilities.
If state officials are informed of a potential forced marriage, “the agent can proceed with an individual interview of the two potential future spouses to ensure there is consent,” according to Marle`ne Schiappa, the Citizenship Minister. If the agent deems there is any obligation, a prosecutor will be alerted and could block the marriage.
Regarding polygamy, anyone already living in France with more than one wife will see his residency status removed”. The draft bill also introduces jail terms and fines for doctors who provide controversial so-called “virginity certificates” for traditional religious marriages.
With claims by some that the draft law is a political move by Macron ahead of 2022 presidential elections to capture followers on the far right, it is likely to see lively debate when it goes before Parliament in coming months.