[Persevero]

I actually narrowly support the Muslim in this decision.

If it is against your religion to shake a woman’s hand so be it. It is a personal decision.

But there is no freedom of religion in Germany. It’s a police state in that regard.

And I generally oppose Muslim immigration.

[Borges]

Yeah really. If THIS was the worst one had to fear from them that would be great. Orthodox Jews also have this custom.

[alexander_busek]

I actually narrowly support the Muslim in this decision.

I helped my wife study for her German naturalization process.

One of the items on the application's standard list of questions (besides "Do you intend to overthrow the German govt.?") is about shaking hands with females. (Other questions pertain to, e.g., clitoridectomies.)

So he was basically denied citizenship for having lied on his application.

Regards,

[CaptainK]

It's not against his religion. It's a promise he made to his wife.

The man had moved to Germany in 2002 and lived there legally ever since, marrying a woman of Syrian origin about 10 years ago - promising her that he would never take the hand of another woman.