laïques

Laïques is a term that refers to the principle of secularism, particularly as it is understood and applied in France. It is a foundational concept in French public life, stemming from the 1905 law on the Separation of the Churches and the State. At its core, laïques signifies the neutrality of the state in matters of religion and the freedom of individuals to practice their religion or no religion at all, provided it does not disrupt public order.

This principle ensures that the state does not endorse or favor any particular religion, nor does it impede the free exercise of religious belief. Public institutions, such as schools and government offices, are meant to be free from religious symbols and influence. This is intended to create a space where citizens of all beliefs, or no beliefs, can coexist equally. The concept of laïques is often debated, particularly concerning the extent to which it should regulate religious expression in public spaces and the potential for it to be perceived as discriminatory by some religious groups. It is a dynamic principle that continues to evolve in contemporary French society.