With western Europe's biggest Muslim population (some 6m) and a firm secular tradition, France has an unapologetic approach to religious minorities. Immigrants and their offspring must adapt to French rules, not the other way round. France has banned the Islamic veil in state schools. Parliament is looking into outlawing the burqa from public places. But how bendy is this attitude? When it comes to Islamic finance, to the dismay of some politicians on both right and left, the government is trying to introduce elements of sharia-under which "usury" is forbidden.
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