In the charter's foreword, Gerard Batten (MEP) writes, "The Western European
view of religion, achieved after centuries of bloodshed, conflict and
division, is that religion is a matter of private belief and conscience.
Islamic fundamentalists do not share this view. They believe in Islamic
theocracy. Such views are simply incompatible with Western liberal
democracy. The vast majority of Muslims that non-Muslims meet in everyday
life are decent, respectable, law-abiding and hardworking. Western
governments and societies have to offer them their support while standing
firm against the extremists." The charter is "a great step forward in this
process."
It certainly is, but what if someone signs it and doesn't mean it? Some
Muslims claim the Koran allows them to lie to "infidels." What happens then?
What would Solomon suggest be done to those who refuse to sign the charter,
as many refused to sign earlier loyalty oaths? How does one encourage
compliance? Sam Solomon answers that question via e-mail: "This charter is
like a passport application. If someone lies, he will be prosecuted. Once
agreed upon, it would give power to the authorities to bring them to
justice. Though we know they can lie, this time it would not be an
individual, it would be their leaders, and would be like putting their noses
in the dust, and accepting it for what it is worth, that the real cause of
terrorism is the interpretation of Qur'anic verses by certain factions of
their religion. One way or another, they have never been challenged like
this ever before."
As the European Parliament is often much slower than the American Congress,
the charter begins first as a discussion document. Sponsors hope it will
create interest and discussion among the European public, as well as in the
European Parliament. They are hoping one of the MEPs, possibly Gerard
Batten, will put forward a proposal to introduce this charter as a bill.
Batten and Solomon see this as a "no lose" proposition. If the bill passes
with an enforcement mechanism, Muslim leaders who sign would be held
accountable under the law for any violation. If they don't sign, the law and
public opinion may have something to say about their refusal.
Does anyone have a better strategy for sorting out the violent Muslims from
the peaceful ones among us? And be sure, they are among us, as we
experienced on 9/11.