laïcitat

Laïcitat is the Catalan term for the principle of secularism, which establishes the separation between religious institutions and the state. It is rooted in the Enlightenment idea that religion should be a personal matter, not a public policy instrument, and that the state must remain neutral in matters of faith. The concept evolved in the nineteenth century during the liberal movements in Spain, particularly in the 1830s and 1840s, when Catalonia became a center for progressive ideas. The notion was further cemented in the fundamental law of the Spanish Constitution of 1978, which guarantees freedom of belief and prohibits the state from supporting or persecuting any religious community.

In practice, laïcitat means that public schools do not include any obligatory religious instruction, that the government does not fund religious organizations, and that public office holders must not be affiliated with any religion. Catalan law also ensures that religious freedom is available to all citizens, provided that public resources are not used for religious advocacy. The principle has drawn inspiration from the French concept of laïcité but takes on a slightly more flexible approach, allowing for interfaith dialogue while maintaining the neutrality of state institutions.

Critics of laïcitat argue that it may marginalise minority faith groups by not acknowledging religious accommodations, while supporters contend that the principle protects all religions from state bias. In recent years, debates have focused on the role of religious symbols in public spaces, such as the display of religious flags on national holidays, and the rights of non‑religious citizens to maintain a secular public sphere. The dialogue around laïcitat reflects broader European discussions on the balance between religious diversity, civil rights, and state neutrality.