'Migration has changed Europe: Islam is part of our societies'

France's strict separation of religion and state, known as 'laïcité,' often causes confusion due to the lack of a direct English equivalent. Jean-Christophe Peaucelle explains that while 'secularism' in English can conflate different ideas, 'laïcité' is a uniquely French concept focused on freedom of belief and the state's absolute neutrality towards all religions.

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When I speak about laïcité in English, I use the French word 'laïcité.' In fact, it is a very French concept – with universal validity. The focus is on freedom of belief.

Under 'laïcité,' French civil servants must remain neutral in their professional roles, such as not wearing religious symbols like a kippah at work. However, this neutrality does not extend to their private lives, where personal religious expression is permitted. This distinction is crucial to understanding the French model.

The 2004 law banning conspicuous religious symbols in schools, often mislabeled a 'laïcité law,' is presented as an exception. Its primary aim was to protect students, particularly Muslim girls, from coercion and religious or political pressure within educational institutions. The law sought to ensure schools remained spaces free from overt religious displays, allowing students to focus on their education without external religious influence.

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The English word 'secularism' conflates two terms that are clearly separated in French: secularization is a sociological reality. 'Laïcité' is a legal term that establishes the complete neutrality of the state towards religions.

Peaucelle notes that the law has seen few violations and is generally accepted. He emphasizes that understanding the intent behind the law, protecting vulnerable students, is key to its proper implementation. The concept of 'laïcité,' though over a century old, remains highly relevant in contemporary France, especially given its increasing cultural and religious diversity.

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In truth, this law is an exception to laïcité: in school, only the teacher is obliged to be religiously neutral, not the student.