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Restaurant's Christmas Promotion Leads To Police Investigation In Maldives

By Howard M. Friedman

Only Muslims may become citizens of the Maldives. However apparently some number of Christian expatriates live in the country. So the Jade Bistro cafe-- a restaurant that appeals to various nationalities-- was decorated for Christmas and offered a "festive" luncheon over the Christmas period. According to yesterday's Minivan News, this led Sheikh Hussein Rasheed, head of the Adhaalath Party, to file a complaint with the police who briefly arrested one person at the cafe to obtain more information. Sheikh Hussein says that it is unlawful to celebrate Christmas in the Maldives. Management of the Jade Bistro issued an apology, saying they had not intended to upset anyone. They were merely offering a traditional meal with friends for those who were away from home.

Full post as published by Religion Clause on December 30, 2010 (boomark / email).