by Deepa BHOOKHUN

So the Constitution guarantees the freedom of the citizen to practise his religion, whichever religion that may be. Fine. I don?t think anyone has anything to say against this. We also know that religion is a private matter and concerns no one but the person practising it.

How would you define yourself? Again this differs from person to person. Until, of course, somebody forces the definition down your throat. Those of you who have ever sworn an affidavit will know what I?m talking about. The first time it happened, I was very surprised to learn that whatever I had to say had to be guaranteed by the fact that I was a ?Hindu?? I asked the people concerned how they guessed that I was a ?Hindu.? They told me my name gave me away. Then they proceeded to ask if I had changed religion because it seemed like I was objecting. I replied that this was beside the point. The point is my belief is my own private thing and my own business and I do not define myself by my religious or spiritual beliefs.

It was only after I made all the fuss that I was allowed to say that I ?declare and solemnly affirm that?? Can you believe this? I suppose you can. You must be used to this?

I always thought the Republic of Mauritius was meant to be above all of this. Because we may practise different religions but we have something in common; we were all born in this country. Our fathers before us and, for most of us, our grandfathers and great-grandfathers. For goodness sake, we share a common history. If this is not enough to unite us all and make us feel a sense of belonging to this country, I do not know what will. And for Heaven?s sake, please do not give any credit to politicians. Don?t you know that their role is simply to divide? in order to rule?

The latest example is the MPL. The issue is not one of religion. Most Muslims I know, if they wish to get married for the right reasons, want to do so legally as well as religiously. Because this is the law of the land they live in, our country. Having said this, there are people who choose not to marry civilly and decide that they do not want to be tied by a piece of paper. So they move in together. This is fine too. More importantly, religion has nothing to do with their decision. And what?s wrong with that?

But if we really wanted to look after the interests of the women, then why not extend the recognition of ?common law wives? to all Mauritians, regardless of their chosen beliefs and religious practices? Oh but no! How would they rule if we were all put on the same footing?

Why pretend that we are doing a favour to the Muslim community? Silly question, isn?t it? Elections are fast approaching?

At the end of the day, despite our freedom to choose our religion, the Republic of Mauritius has to draw a line somewhere because, otherwise, it is anarchy. Then draw the bloody line for goodness sake. Bottom line is, as long as we call ourselves Mauritians and decide to live in this country, we obey the laws. End of story?

Derogations are either made for all of us or they aren?t. But, until we know what we are and who we are, the rules will always be made by politicians. Because we let them. So when do we start deciding?