A Muslim grocery store owner in France has apologised for attempting to impose male and female-only shopping days.
Recent convert Jean-Baptiste Michalon posted a sign in the window of his shop in Bordeaux asking “sisters” to come on Saturdays and Sundays, and “brothers” to visit on weekdays, AFP reported.
Following outrage, including former prime minister Alain Juppé, who is now mayor of the region, calling for an inquiry, Michalon said he had not meant any harm.
“We did this in response to requests from ‘sisters’ who preferred to come when my wife is working,” he told AFP. “We do also sell clothes here.
“It was a sign meant entirely for clients who understand that mixing of sexes is not permitted in our [Muslim] religion. It was not meant to be compulsory. I had no idea that it was against the law.”
French law dictates discrimination on the grounds of gender is punishable by fines of up to 45,000 euros and a maximum of three years in jail, AFP said.
Imam of the city’s main mosque, Tareq Oubrou, told France 3 TV he was shocked by the shop sign.
“Even during the era of the prophet there were no such rules,” he told the broadcaster. “It’s a bit strange to try to apply [gender separation] in a culture where equality has been firmly established. Maybe the shop owner’s choice was personal, rather than theological.”
Michalon has taken down the sign.
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