French justice minister under fire for refusing to sing national anthem

France's justice minister faces calls to resign for refusing to sing the national anthem during an event to mark the end of slavery, saying it was like "karaoke".

Centre-right opposition party the UMP criticised Christiane Taubira for refusing to sing La Marseillaise on Monday. The far-right National Front party demanded that she quit her post.

After critics posted remarks on her Facebook page concerning the event at Paris's Luxembourg Gardens, Taubira hit back saying: "Some events are more a time for reflection than onstage karaoke."

Her comments only generated more outrage from the opposition. "What is most shocking is that she could justify herself not singing the national anthem by speaking of stage karaoke," said UMP leader Jean-Francois Cope.

"She is a minister. There are certain things one does not say, that one does not have the right to say, and I think I am among millions of French people who are deeply shocked," he said.

National Front leader Marine Le Pen said: "By comparing La Marseillaise to karaoke and refusing to sing it, Christiane Taubira has revealed her true colours, and those of the administration.

"This unacceptable gaffe is indeed symbolic proof of the highest order of their contempt for France, for its history and its people, who love to sing their anthem, and are proud of it."