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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think this is fucking crazy

436 replies

itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:46

We’re en route to a holiday rental in France. I wasn’t sure if the pool was shared or not between other guests so emailed the owner to ask. This is his reply - which I put in to google translate
Could you tell me if sharing the swimming pool with us who occupy the ground floor bothers you and for what reason? Recently we refused the rental because the wife and the two young daughters were veiled; are you english or muslim? We do not want you to make the trip and see yourself refused access to our property for reasons of displaying religious beliefs which are very resented by the neighborhood.

Fuck Fuck Fuck
What the hell do I do?
I am not a Muslim.
I am also not a racist.

OP posts:
ButtSurgery · 13/08/2024 16:04

I'm wrong about the hijab - it's the burka that's banned. They banned it in 2010, along with other face coverings, but hijab doesn't cover the face so isn't included.

The religious symbolism a PP referred to was a separate piece of law from 2004 which includes the hijab, yarmulke, turban, and which bans symbolic clothing being worn in public schools and government buildings.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 13/08/2024 16:03

I think you are committed now but I would be tempted to say...

"No, we aren't Muslim, but were thinking of baptising some of the party in the pool as 'born again Christians' if they get rowdy. There won't be any veils etc., in fact we could possibly all be naked to avoid any openly religious symbolism."

FastFood · 13/08/2024 16:02

PeachyKeane · 13/08/2024 15:59

The French ban on face covering[a] is the result of an act of parliament passed in 2010 banning the wearing of face-covering headgear, including masks, helmets, balaclavas, niqābs and other veils covering the face, and full body costumes and zentais (skin-tight garments covering entire body) in public places, except under specified circumstances. This ban does not apply to the hijab, as it does not cover the face. The ban does apply to the burqa, a full-body covering, if it covers the face.[2] In April 2011, France became the first European country to impose a ban on full-face veils in public areas.[3]

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Ok my bad, face covering are banned. Again, nothing to do with religion - all face coverings are concerned.

BargingOnBy · 13/08/2024 16:02

itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:57

That’s essentially what I have done but I was just feeling weirded out by it - less so now I remember the veiling ban in France.

It’s not woke to call out what (appeared to be) racism. It’s human decency.

Best to stick to your principles and cancel your holiday then

Aquamarine1029 · 13/08/2024 16:02

itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:58

This is what I am worried about.

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What's to worry about?

User6874356 · 13/08/2024 16:01

spongelover · 13/08/2024 15:59

I think if people were less passive and accepting of hate then it would be less common. I'm not saying OP should confront them but why do they have to pretend they didn't say that? I wouldn't give them my respect.

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It’s not for you to police other people’s opinions and it would likely just make him resentful. You don’t know if he has misunderstood or what his point is and ultimately he’s the owner of a holiday house. I wouldn’t give it headspace

Technonan · 13/08/2024 16:00

There are some strict laws on secularity in France, and conspicuous religious dress is not popular. It's banned in schools and the civil service. France is home to one of the largest Muslim and Jewish populations in Europe and they've had some serious problems with extremism from Muslim groups (probably triggered by Israels invasion of Gaza).

You could reply and say you do not wear religious dress of any kind, but you have no issues with people who do. Or you could decide that the attitude of the landlord )and the area) make it impossible for you to stay there. It really has to be up to you.

PeachyKeane · 13/08/2024 15:59

FastFood · 13/08/2024 15:57

No France doesn't ban burka, veil or whatsoever - there are plenty in Paris.
What is banned in France are religious signs in public schools and for public servants at work, so all religions are concerned, not just Islam.

The airbnb owner is just racist - nothing to do with french laws.

The French ban on face covering[a] is the result of an act of parliament passed in 2010 banning the wearing of face-covering headgear, including masks, helmets, balaclavas, niqābs and other veils covering the face, and full body costumes and zentais (skin-tight garments covering entire body) in public places, except under specified circumstances. This ban does not apply to the hijab, as it does not cover the face. The ban does apply to the burqa, a full-body covering, if it covers the face.[2] In April 2011, France became the first European country to impose a ban on full-face veils in public areas.[3]

French ban on face covering - Wikipedia

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_ban_on_face_covering#cite_note-2

User6874356 · 13/08/2024 15:59

This is a bit judgy- maybe he has just misunderstood you. Either way as it’s not an issue I don’t see why you’re panicking. Just go enjoy your holiday

spongelover · 13/08/2024 15:59

ViscountDreams · 13/08/2024 15:54

What do you do?

You're enroute and have already paid.

Reply and say 'we have no problem in sharing the pool, I was just curious, thanks'. Then go on holiday.

I think if people were less passive and accepting of hate then it would be less common. I'm not saying OP should confront them but why do they have to pretend they didn't say that? I wouldn't give them my respect.

Original poster
itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:58

FastFood · 13/08/2024 15:57

No France doesn't ban burka, veil or whatsoever - there are plenty in Paris.
What is banned in France are religious signs in public schools and for public servants at work, so all religions are concerned, not just Islam.

The airbnb owner is just racist - nothing to do with french laws.

This is what I am worried about.

OP posts:
Demoshine · 13/08/2024 15:58

Can't believe you've only just asked if it's a shared pool! You're on way now he doesn't have to be your new best friend. Have a nice holiday

FastFood · 13/08/2024 15:57

No France doesn't ban burka, veil or whatsoever - there are plenty in Paris.
What is banned in France are religious signs in public schools and for public servants at work, so all religions are concerned, not just Islam.

The airbnb owner is just racist - nothing to do with french laws.

PeachyKeane · 13/08/2024 15:57

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Isn't this just as racist though 🤔

Original poster
itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:57

That’s essentially what I have done but I was just feeling weirded out by it - less so now I remember the veiling ban in France.

It’s not woke to call out what (appeared to be) racism. It’s human decency.

OP posts:
spongelover · 13/08/2024 15:56

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

PeachyKeane · 13/08/2024 15:56

Don't forget men have to wear speedoes 😆😅🤣 always amuses me not so much DH and my boys

EllieLeo · 13/08/2024 15:55

Also - I have found the use of the word ‘veiled’ commonly used in France as a broad term to describe any kind of religious head covering worn by women, not just ones that actually cover the face (and are banned).

Talipesmum · 13/08/2024 15:55

BargingOnBy · 13/08/2024 15:54

This. No need to pretend to be woke about it.

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Bit rude - the OP sounds genuinely shocked, as would be many people.

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 13/08/2024 15:55

GiantHornets · 13/08/2024 15:54

Why didn’t you ask before you booked? It’s too late now …

Ask what?! Excuse me are you racist?

PinkyFlamingo · 13/08/2024 15:55

I would imagine the money has already been paid.

Original poster
itstheendoftheworldasweknowitnow · 13/08/2024 15:55

This is the original:
Pourriez-vous me dire si le partage de la piscine avec nous qui occupons le rez-de-chaussée vous importune et pour quelle raison?
Récemment nous avons refusé la location car l'épouse et les deux jeunes filles étaient voilées; êtes-vous anglaise ou musulmane?
Nous ne souhaitons pas que vous effectuiez le déplacement et vous voir voir refuser l'accès à notre propriété pour des raisons d'affichage de convictions religieuses très mal ressenties par le voisinage.
Cordialement

OP posts:
BargingOnBy · 13/08/2024 15:54

ViscountDreams · 13/08/2024 15:54

What do you do?

You're enroute and have already paid.

Reply and say 'we have no problem in sharing the pool, I was just curious, thanks'. Then go on holiday.

This. No need to pretend to be woke about it.

ViscountDreams · 13/08/2024 15:54

What do you do?

You're enroute and have already paid.

Reply and say 'we have no problem in sharing the pool, I was just curious, thanks'. Then go on holiday.

GiantHornets · 13/08/2024 15:54

Why didn’t you ask before you booked? It’s too late now …