The BBC reported on something similar with an Algerian lady who was denied citizenship because she refused to shake hands with the (male) official at the ceremony.
What you conveniently left out is that mr Berger was convicted a few years ago for stealing money from a dying man. He also stated other "harmless" religious beliefs such as "mixed education is child abuse" and his opposition to gay rights. He has every right to hold these prehistoric beliefs, but it's perfectly understandable that the party decided to drop him.
"conditional on fitting in to the dominant traditions of society and not looking or behaving differently"
Not being willing to shake hands with half of your constituents because of something they have no control over isn't as simple as "the dominant traditions of society". Religion isn't a good reason to overlook people's beliefs or behaviours.
What's so important about shaking hands? As long as he's willing to treat women as men in all respects that do not involve physically touching them (I doubt he would, but let's entertain the possibility), why is it an issue? Would you feel the same if a Muslim woman was not able to be elected because she would not shake hands with men?
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Not being willing to shake hands with half of your constituents because of something they have no control over isn't as simple as "the dominant traditions of society". Religion isn't a good reason to overlook people's beliefs or behaviours.
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Which is: I find this abhorrent and do not want this person representing me in any way.
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