Cultures Clash in Europe Over Muslims Refusing to Shake Hands With Members of the Opposite Sex

Cultures Clash in Europe Over Muslims Refusing to Shake Hands With Members of the Opposite Sex
Jordan's Queen Rania shaking hands with Rohingya Muslim refugees during her visit to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia on Oct. 23, 2017. Tauseef Mustafa/AFP/Getty Images
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STOCKHOLM—The simple act of a handshake has become controversial because of growing Muslim populations in several European countries. In the past week, the issue has made headlines in Switzerland, France, Sweden, and Denmark.

What some may see as a trivial matter has become a flashpoint, similar to that of religious dress codes or prayer calls.