The author cites many examples to lay out his case in this important debate. However, he fails to discuss or acknowledge the larger socio-economic context within which European 'multiculturalism' is asserted. Often Asian immigrants in EU countries such as France and Germany are economically, culturally and geographically marginalized in a way that breeds radicalization.

This story identifies several disgusting perversions of justice in Germany meted out in the name of multiculturalism and warns of pending problems in the UK and Canada. However, from the article, one can't tell whether the situations described are aberrations, part of a trend or the norm. Without such a perspective, the story is of limited value.

An interesting editorial that raises some difficult questions regarding the ethics of law when dealing with intercultural and gender relations. Is it a human right for a man to abuse his wife if his religion permits it? Is it a human right to own a slave if the Bible acknowledges it?

Good Grief! I'm sure that if this non muslim judge looked more thoroughly through the Koran and consulted some non reactionary scholars, other equally valid opinions could be found saying that the mens' conduct was wrong! The real question is when the 'moderates' are going to stand up and give these interpretations. After all, both the Old and New Testaments condone slavery - but somehow we don't usethose texts any more! Thinking this over a bit later -since when do judges in ... More »

This is interesting analysis of German domestic-abuse court cases where abuse is winked at because the perps and victims are Muslim. The piece ends with a call to change.

Hari barely hides his own pro-gay agenda, but is refreshingly clear about his anti-Muslim intolerance. He feels wierdly compelled to nearly equate Catholics with Muslims "We know Catholic schools often push the most vile aspects of their faith at children;" but this is without citing a single source. I doubt that any Catholic Bishop in Europe has advocated any beating of women or gays in the last 10 years as a general rule, while still maintaining the sinfulness of fornication and ... More »

Someone shining the light of rationality on multiculturalism. For an opinion piece he lays out some very good arguments as to why people need to resist believing all cultures are equally valid.

False binary. The German story is about one really stupid judge misinterpreting one aspect of one culture, not true multiculturalism.

I think this article puts its finger exactly on the problem. In refusing to make value judgments, multiculturalism runs the risk of standing for nothing. All things are not equal, else we would need no laws. Some may think a homogenized world will be a better place, all of us happily marching to the sound of the same drum. [Note that this dream does not apply when it comes to multi-national corporations, of course!] Immigrants move to new countries because it will offer something ... More »

Somehow the German courts seem to think that culture is more important than law, and this is highlighted very well in this article. This story shows the problems when well-meaning people accept the way cultures are supposed to behave. Cultural relativism at the height of its power. A very disturbing and important article.