January 26, 2006: Even though Baden-Württemberg's new questionnaire for Muslims applying for German citizenship hasn't even used been yet, it is already a controversial topic. In cases where there is doubt, the questionnaire is supposed to help determine whether applicants agree with Germany's free democratic system as a basis for granting citizenship. Because of the nature of the questions asked and the fact that it is to be used for applicants from 57 Muslim countries, opponents – including Muslim organizations in Germany and various German politicians – see the questionnaire as discriminating against Muslims.

So far no other federal state in Germany has indicated support for the questionnaire, including those states governed by the conservative Christian parties CDU and CSU (Baden-Württemberg is governed by a CDU/FDP coalition). Even those who feel the questionnaire should be withdrawn admit there can be a problem with the Muslim mentality, like Barbara John from Berlin, a CDU member and commissioner for foreigner affairs in Berlin from 1983-2003. "What should you do with someone who believes in hitting his wife if she doesn't obey him? He isn't violating any [current] law," was her assessment.

Before applying for citizenship in Germany, foreigners must reside in the country for eight years, demonstrate adequate German language skills, not be dependent on the welfare system by being self-supporting via gainful employment and have taken a 30 hour citizenship orientation course. Still, 60 percent of those applying do not have adequate German language skills and are referred to remedial language courses. According to John, however, those applying for citizenship are not the real problem. "We have to do something about the millions who are already here and who have never taken the [citizenship orientation] course." She sees forced marriages, use of force in family life and denying children participation in school activities as topics that have to be addressed re: Germany's Muslim population.

How will the questionnaire help determine an applicant's agreement with Germany's basic democractic order? Here are a few questions based on Muslim sensitivities to common situations in everyday German life:

• How do you view the statement that a wife should obey her husband and that he may hit her if she isn't obedient?
• In your opinion, which professions should a woman avoid?
• In Germany physical education and swimming are part of normal school instruction. Would you permit your daughter to participate? If not, why not?
• Imagine that your son of legal age comes to you and tells you that he is homosexual and wants to live with another man. How would you react?
• You have heard about the attacks in New York on September 11, 2001 and in Madrid on March 11, 2004. Do you see those who did this as terrorists or freedom fighters?
• In Germany everyone can decide for himself/herself whether he/she would like to be treated by a male or a female doctor. In some situations, however, the choice is not possible, like in an emergency or after a shift change in the hospital. In such a situation, would you allow yourself to be treated by a doctor of the opposite sex?

A survey by Germany's CNN partner, NTV, shows 76 percent of the German people in favor of testing candidates applying for German citizenship. Meanwhile, the spokesman for Germany's Muslim central committee urged those Muslims in entitled to vote Baden-Württemberg to show disapproval of their government in a state election to be held on March 26, 2006.