A Muslim man has gone to the High Court in Ireland demanding that he be allowed bring in his second wife to Ireland.
The native of Lebanon, where polygamy is allowed, says his polygamous marriage must be recognized.
Liam Egan, a member of the Muslim Public Affairs Congress, told the Irish Sunday Times the man was being discriminated against unfairly. “It is draconian to treat this family differently,” said Egan.
“Ireland discriminates against Muslims seeking citizenship by asking them to sign an affidavit. The state should not be interfering in families like this. It is silent on adulterous affairs but the moment you try and do something honourable by bringing a woman into a marriage, even a polygamous marriage, there is an issue.”
The man first entered Ireland some years ago and claimed political asylum which was granted. It is believed there are numerous other cases involving second or even more wives awaiting the court's verdict. British law allows only one wife to legally emigrate.
Liam Egan says the Koran allows Muslims to marry and “love each of them equally.” The Immigrant Council of Ireland says the case highlights the need for the government to deal fairly with the issue.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.xeusman | Oct 15, 2011, 11:56 AM EDT
Well I think the law of the land should be obeyed. Muslims are a minority in Ireland; and Irish law is based on Ireland's culture, traditions and history. But people shouldn't take this issue of one man and start blaming every other Muslim in Ireland and Islam in particular. Even in Christianity polygamy was allowed before the reformation in the 16th century. And in many Muslim countries, the majority do not practice polygamy. So as a Muslim in Ireland I suggest that do not take this issue and start blaming religion, stand by the law of the land period. And let the Muslims integrate and learn Irish law and culture; and even help them understand Ireland and it will help the Irish understand the Muslims.
MMLeprechaun | May 05, 2011, 11:24 AM EDT
What is the Law of Ireland? One husband, one wife? Then abide by that or go back to wherever is your place of origin. Stop trying to change the laws of a "new" country to accommodate your own personal desires...that is criminal. Come on Irland...stand up for what is right, not what a few individuals want or demand!!
rmp3357 | May 05, 2011, 10:55 AM EDT
‘If you aren’t happy here then LEAVE. You weren't force to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted!!
rmp3357 | May 05, 2011, 10:40 AM EDT
I am tired of this nation (Ireland & US) worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great act of freedom, ‘THE RIGHT TO LEAVE’ the country!
Aleeyne | May 05, 2011, 09:39 AM EDT
I refugees want to practice archaic Islam customs, then they must go to a country where such archaic customs are permitted.
jacersisityourself | Feb 20, 2010, 02:57 PM EST
The subtle invasiveness of Islam into Irish society is demonstrated by the website dedicated to Islam in Ireland. Go see and explore it for yourselves >>> http://mpac.ie/about/ <<< Note it claims to be an Empowerment System for Muslims in Ireland. Maybe those of us who are awake to the threat of Islam in Irish society might join the site and contribute our opinions. I've yet to explore it more before I do.
domuscanus | Feb 14, 2010, 05:12 AM EST
Outright refusal to this git. The country is financially on its knees, yet the courts can afford to spend time and resources on this tripe? Who is supporting him and why is he in my country making demands from a society that owes him less than nothing? The arrogance of these people is breathtaking, but as usual, they forever confuse the generosity of the Irish with stupidity, then plead ignorance when people eventually turn on them. It would appear that every one of these immigrants who are refused anything, from the illegals who infest the island to those with a lust for more than one wife, now drag their case right to the front door of the Supreme Court. Would they consider doing that were they obliged to pay their own legal costs? The time is long gone when Ireland will continue to open the borders to these third worlders as they bring little but trouble and misery from their broken and failed countries to my homeland. Why do they come to a country that is socially, politically and culturally so vastly different from their own, and once in the door the chronic whinging and whining begins? These muslim types are nothing more than organized beggars, forever with the hand out demanding, yes, demanding that they be given special status in a country where they are lucky to have been allowed to reside in. Time to toss the lot of them out on their well padded bums, Ireland has no use for such parasitic chancers. As for Liam Egan, what can you expect from a pig but a grunt.
borefield | Feb 13, 2010, 01:23 PM EST
Liam Egan should be deported to Lebanon. What utter nonsense. I was always under the impression that when one entered a country and then decided to stay there you lived by the rules of that country, not demand the country you entered to conform to your ways. Am I missing something here?
IrishAndProud | Feb 09, 2010, 05:08 PM EST
Have they evicted this Muslim foreigner (pardon the redundancy) yet? Or are they still guffawing around, figuring out how to diffuse this whole stupid non-issue without offfeeeeeending him? Toss this guy out on his can...and while you're at it, expel ALL other Muslims from Eire, too.
jacersisityourself | Feb 09, 2010, 02:42 PM EST
Did anyone in Ireland or UK see the BBC2 TV programme last night called ‘Generation Jihad’ (Part One)? It highlighted the beliefs of present-day young British Muslims following schooling and how some of them took part in tragic bombings in the UK in recent years. One of them said “We were taught to help create a new Islamic caliphate. What is that? I asked”, said he. “Isn’t a caliphate like some part of another country, say Saudi Arabia or Turkey? It took me a while to realise it is the dream to create a new Islamic caliphate comprising the whole world” said he. So now you know – world domination is the ultimate reason for Muslims looking for residency in western countries. Parts Two and Three of the programme will be shown over the next two Mondays, 9pm. Judge for yourselves. One hopes the European Commission on Human Rights will be aware of this drive. What about Westerners’ human rights to maintain our (mainly) Christian way of life?
RthrBHistCorr | Feb 09, 2010, 12:48 PM EST
"The man first entered Ireland some years ago and claimed political asylum which was granted. It is believed there are numerous other cases involving second or even more wives awaiting the court's verdict. British law allows only one wife to legally emigrate." BTW Reporter Patrick Cooper, what does British law have to do with this story? Last I checked Ireland was independent (though it looks as if it is on it's way to becoming a Muslim vassal state)
RthrBHistCorr | Feb 09, 2010, 12:43 PM EST
Choice is simple: if you want two wives go back to Lebanon, otherwise you are free to stay in Ireland. This man's argument is as bogus as someone going in and saying "I should be allowed to carry a gun in Ireland, because I am allowed to in Texas". The fact that this is even being discussed shows how spineless the West is.
kickstar | Feb 09, 2010, 03:14 AM EST
Ireland is becoming an increasingly insignificant Nation led by a pack of Swine at the troughs, Any EU Nation that would pass Anti defamation laws to placate Saudi Arabia in the biggest Mooching effort ever seen in the history of this Swine Sucking state. A state that is ever increasingly prostituting itself in the Bazaar of Islam.
JosephOCasey | Feb 08, 2010, 07:56 PM EST
If this man doesn't comply with the laws of Ireland he should be deported. I love how someone moves to a foreign country and then demands that country alter their laws to suit them. Go home if Ireland's laws don't suit you. Try having an Irishman pull that same crap in Lebanon. I doubt they would treat him as this man demands to be treated in Ireland.
FromAsia | Feb 08, 2010, 05:56 PM EST
It is a joke. In African or some place, one man can marry many women by certain religion. Can he bring all of them to Ireland?
dagger66 | Feb 08, 2010, 05:06 PM EST
All the legal immigrant rules for Ireland say "spouse" not "spouses." Would an Irishman be allowed to relocate to a Muslim country and expect the country to alter its law because an immigrant was allowed to perform the act? Would Ireland allow an American to have handguns in Europe or Ireland because he was free to own weapons under our law?
TaranOconner | Feb 08, 2010, 04:19 PM EST
Just say NO! World Media: PLEASE Stop giving these Muslims the Press they desire. NO! Go back 'home' and be Islamic THERE! Irishathens and walter3ca are 100% Correct!
jacersisityourself | Feb 08, 2010, 04:10 PM EST
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a60A3mw2XgQ&feature=related Watch this video. It is why this man should not be allowed to bring any more muslims, especially those of chilbearing age into Ireland, or indeed any other western culture.
Christisall | Feb 08, 2010, 02:23 PM EST
Follow Irish law or get the heck out! Who do these muslims think they are?
Christisall | Feb 08, 2010, 02:22 PM EST
I say the muslims have no rights. . .
walter3ca | Feb 08, 2010, 01:53 PM EST
Muslim laws must be respected? What about Irish laws? Islam is trying to take over the world one inch at a time. A line must be drawn. If he wants his second wife, then he can stay in Lebanon.
figtirish | Feb 08, 2010, 12:45 PM EST
Muslim laws must be respected.This poor man , fleeing persecution,should be allowed his two wives in Ireland
irishathens | Feb 08, 2010, 11:41 AM EST
Our law is one wife/husband any other is considered as bigamy. I suggest this man either accepts Irish law or leaves the country. Allow this just once and the floodgates open.
Tony Barry | Feb 08, 2010, 11:38 AM EST
Memo to Mr. Liam EGAN....when you lived in Yemen and Saudi Arabia....you were required to respect and obey the laws of thos countries...otherwise, your damn head would be cut off. A Muslim person wishing to live in Ireland should also respect and obey the Irish law.
marmaure | Feb 08, 2010, 11:32 AM EST
Ireland, do not bend. Look what has happened in your neighbouring countries like the UK and France where they bent ouver backwards to be accomodating. Stick to your culture and your guns while you still can be a European country. If you, as a foreigner, come into a differnt country, live free! but adapt to the laws of your new homeland or go back to where you came from.
Oonaghx | Feb 08, 2010, 11:18 AM EST
The native of Lebanon, where polygamy is allowed, says his polygamous marriage must be recognized. No the law in Ireland is one spouse at a time, If you don't like it, go back to Lebanon.
IrishEagle | Feb 08, 2010, 06:17 AM EST
A little background on Liam Egan might shed some light on his views: http://bit.ly/c49PzI Egan has lived in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Those are his models for Ireland, I'd guess.
McNabb1966 | Feb 07, 2010, 09:30 PM EST
He has no right to "demand" anything like this. And enforcement of laws does not equal discrimination. It seems as though anytime Muslims don't approve of a law that exists in their adopted country, they try to overturn it by screaming "discrimination" or "racism" or whatever. First of all, he has no "right" to be in Ireland at all. He was granted that privilege and now he insults the country that gave him asylum.
IrishAndProud | Feb 07, 2010, 06:43 PM EST
What is this Lebanese Muslim even doing in Ireland, himself -- let alone trying to have THIS be allowed? I'm telling you, folks, and I'll say it again: Islam is utterly incompatible with Irish identity and culture, and has no business whatsoever anywhere on that entire island! When you allow them in, THIS sort of thing (among others) is inevitable. They make their alien demands about their alien lifestyle, and demand that those demands be accepted in a culture they are not part of -- complete with weak Irish accomodators, backing their every move. The fact that the Irish government would even wast a millisecond on this matter is a sad enough commentary in itself. Put this imbecil on a boat, send it back to Lebanon, then bend him over and KICK him back off, into his own country -- and make sure every copy of the Q'uran goes with him, the same way!
manhattan | Feb 07, 2010, 01:16 PM EST
If he can't respect and obey the law in Ireland then he has no business in Ireland or anywhere else outside of a muslim country. I hope not all the Irish in Ireland are whimps like Liam Egan. Let Mr. Egan try going to Lebanon and asking lebanese christians what it is like to be a christian in a Moslem dominated country is like. How naive the do gooders of the western world are.
CanadianPat | Feb 07, 2010, 12:45 PM EST
If you allow this ,than to not allow any Irish man the equal right to polygamy would be discrimination! Send him any others like him whoes true agenda is to immigrate to conquer and convert back to from where they came. All over the western world recent immigrant Muslims are playing the same game. Wise-Up!!!
jsinaiko | Feb 07, 2010, 12:15 PM EST
Sorry - only one spouse at a time. That's the law here.
jsinaiko | Feb 07, 2010, 11:40 AM EST
There is something truly insidious here. If Christians break Islamic laws in many Muslim countries, like drinking alcohol, wearing western dress (women) or practicing their religion, they are subject to arrest, imprisonment, and sometimes barbaric punishment like public flogging. In some countries, like Saudi Arabia, Christian churches are not even allowed to exist. Yet, Muslims coming to live in Europe and the U.S. are afforded the full rights and benefits provided by our liberal democracies. If any of our laws contravene Islamic law our laws are ignored. For example, many Muslims are outraged - and do not accept - that in the West female genital mutilation is unlawful and barbaric - and so these crimes against young girls and women continue. Underlying all of this is a fundamental belief of Islam that theirs is the one true faith, their laws the only laws that must be respected - regardless of where they live. It may well be true that most Muslims do not believe in world dominion but we should be mindful that a good many do, and disregard for the norms, values, culture, customs and laws of the West is their signature. In the case above, I hope that Ireland will follow Britain's example - only one wife gets admitted.
Rebelforce | Feb 07, 2010, 10:58 AM EST
How ironic that at a time when a reported 20% of the Irish population is looking to get out of Ireland, you've got a "political refugee" from Lebanon "demanding" that his other wife/wives be allowed into Ireland. Sometimes you just gotta laugh.
CelticPope | Feb 07, 2010, 10:44 AM EST
utter rubbish! why would ireland recognise any practice which demeans women?
kickstar | Feb 07, 2010, 09:52 AM EST
Allow all Muslims to do what they like But Ban the Immigrant Council of Ireland.They are the enemy of the Irish People.