After burqa, halal menu target of French ire

Paris, February 19: A French fast food chain’s decision to serve only halal meat in eight restaurants with a strong Muslim clientele has sparked a wave of criticism from politicians decrying the step as unacceptable.

A far-right leader said the 350-branch Quick chain was imposing “an Islamic tax” on its customers. A Socialist mayor has threatened a lawsuit for discrimination against customers who do not want to eat according to Muslim dietary laws.

The uproar, like France’s drive to ban Muslim face veils and its state-led debate on national identity, has come just ahead of regional elections next month even though Quick began what it calls a six-month marketing test in late November. The $7.46 billion halal market in France is growing strongly, according to a survey in December 2009, citing increasing demand among young Muslims for halal produce.

Marine Le Pen, vice-president of the far-right National Front, launched the accusations on Sunday, saying clients “are forced because of halal meat to pay a tax to Islamic organizations” that certify the food was produced according to Muslim dietary laws.

-Agencies