Backlash over French MP’s ‘racist’ wedding comments
PARIS – An MP has angered many by saying “foreign” dancing, singing and flag-waving at wedding ceremonies in France is “unacceptable” and a “disturbance”.
Anne Genevard of Les Republicains party described the kind of celebrations that are typical of French families of North African heritage:
She told parliament that “those who get married in a French town hall in a public building must comply with the codes of the Republic”.
Ms Genevard’s comments add to the controversies already triggered in France over headscarves, halal food and other issues concerning France’s non-white citizens.
Social media users slammed the MP and said her comments were racist.
“They legislated how we dress, what we eat and now they want to legislate how we dance and celebrate,” wrote Nacéra on Twitter.
“Your racism and your xenophobia are leading you astray. Fortunately there are still normal people in parliament,” said another user called Nicole Odera – BBC