'Sick' attack on black minister's failure to sing anthem

French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira leaves the Elysee palace. Photo / AFP

Right-wing French politicians were accused of racism yesterday after they attacked a black minister who failed to sing the national anthem at a public ceremony.

Christiane Taubira, the Justice Minister, defended her decision to stay silent by saying she did not believe in karaoke on a public platform.

The far-right leader Marine Le Pen then called for Ms Taubira to be sacked for using the word karaoke while referring to La Marseillaise, the French national anthem.

Earlier, a centre-right member of parliament suggested that Ms Taubira had failed to sing because she does not know the words.

Left-wing politicians said that the controversy was sick and driven mostly by the colour of Ms Taubira's skin. They pointed out that it was perfectly normal, even correct protocol, for ministers and other public figures not to sing the national anthem when it was being performed by a military band.

President Franois Hollande remained silent when the national anthem was played at a ceremony commemorating the abolition of slavery at the weekend. The former right-wing President Nicolas Sarkozy also habitually remained silent while La Marseillaise was played.

The Socialist former Finance Minister, Pierre Moscovici, said: "It's always the same woman who gets attacked. That's not a coincidence. Behind these constant gripes against Christiane Taubira, there is something quite sick."

The Education Minister, Benot Hamon, pointed out that he had been standing next to Ms Taubira and had also remained silent when La Marseillaise was sung.

"Why are they attacking Taubira and not me?" he asked.

- UK Independent