Grieving family told no Saturday funeral because they are not Muslim

A grieving family have been prevented from holding a funeral service for a close relative at the weekend because they are not Muslim.

Harold Lemaire, a retired steel erector, died in a nursing home last week at the age of 75 after suffering a stroke. His stepdaughter Jean Maltby wanted to hold the funeral service this Saturday to allow members of the family who live outside the area to attend.

But when a funeral director called Sheffield’s City Road Cemetery to make the arrangements he was informed it was not allowed because the family were not Muslim.

Mrs Maltby, 56, said: “I was stunned when I learned we couldn’t have the service and burial on a Saturday. It’s 2008 but there seems to be a group of rules for one section of society and a group of rules for another.”

Sheffield City Council said it did not allow funerals to be held at weekends, except for Muslims because Islam deems that the dead must be buried as soon as possible.

Mrs Maltby, from Greenhill, Sheffield, added: “I’m told that although Muslims like it to take place as quickly as possible their faith allows up to six days for burial.

“I am not criticising Muslims, my criticism is directed at Sheffield city council. It’s another case of political correctness gone mad.

“This type of attitude will only alienate one section of society against the other, it’s a stupid policy and one that needs changing.”

“Our funeral director is appalled by the council’s attitude and he has told me that other funeral directors in the city feel exactly the same way.”

Mr Lemaire, from Woodseats, Sheffield, had been a widower for seven years after the death of his wife Elizabeth at the age of 81.

His funeral has had to be re-arranged for Friday, causing inconvenience for some mourners including Mrs Maltby’s brother Stephen, 54, a welder who lives in Dorset, and relatives from the Isle of Man.

Michael Fogg, the funeral director, said: “I believe a service offered to one section of society should be given to everyone. Mr Lemaire was a citizen of Sheffield who deserves this service from the council.”

Martin Green, senior bereavement services manager for Sheffield, said the council’s policy was in line with that of other local authorities.

He said: “The council recognised the specific cultural and religious needs surrounding burial and has been offering an extended burial service to the Muslim community.

“The service was reviewed and agreed last year in consultation with representatives of other religious communities, a cross section of elected members, and local funeral directors.”

Abdool Gooljar, president of the Sheffield branch of the Society of Islam, said: “I, firstly as a Muslim and secondly as a citizen, do not want preferential treatment. We are living in a multi-faith, multi-cultural society and we should endeavour to meet the needs of every citizen in this city.”

Mrs Maltby was told of the council’s policy when she contacted Michael Fogg, the funeral director.

He said: “I, like other funeral directors in Sheffield are aware of the situation and I told Mrs Maltby the funeral could not take place on a Saturday.

“The Jewish religion calls for burial to take place within a limited time but Jews cannot be buried in Sheffield on Saturday or Sunday, only Muslims.

“In Victorian times most funerals took place on a Saturday because it was the most convenient day.

“I am not a racist, I have Muslim friends, but what the council is doing is operating a two-tier system and this will only alienate people against Muslims in the city.

“Bereavement is a sensitive issue and the council needs to re-think its policy to make it fair to everyone.”

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