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February 17, 2021

French Assembly Approves Bill Accused of Targeting Muslim Communities
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France's National Assembly approved the controversial so-called
anti-separatism bill Tuesday, which the government says will strengthen
France's secular principles and help counter the rise of militant
Islamist groups. But critics say the laws unfairly targets Muslim
communities and could deprive them of their civil rights. Among other
things, the bill strengthens the government's ability to shut down
places of worship and religious schools and ban what it deems to be
"extremist" religious leaders. The legislation now heads to the Senate,
where it is also expected to pass.


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