Laïcité: the French principle of secularism

September 5, 2023
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN Topics

Laïcité: the French principle of secularism

Subject: Polity

Section: Constitution

Context: Recently, the French government announced that the practice of wearing abaya would be banned in state-run schools as it violated the principle of Laïcité, which is the French idea of secularism.

What is the meaning of Laïcité:

Laïcité, which refers to the French idea of secularism, is a complex and politically charged concept with a history dating back to the 19th century.
It involves the formal separation of the State and Church, with the goal of removing religious values from the public sphere and replacing them with secular values such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.
The underlying goal of Laïcité is to implant tolerance and assimilate people.
As per the principle,religion is to be confined to the private sphere
The state plays a crucial role in ensuring that affairs are conducted in accordance with the principle of Laïcité.

Evolution of French Secularism:

The French model of secularism was developed during the French Revolution in 1905, when a French law was enacted to separate the church and the state, thus marking the beginnings of French secularism (laïcité) in modern times.
The term “Laïcité” derives from the French term for laity—non-clergy or lay people. Broadly, the idea refers to the freedom of citizens and public institutions from the influence of organized religion.
Three essential principles were defined by the new Act: Freedom of conscience, equality in law for spiritual and religious belief, and neutrality of political power.
This secular outlook was further bolstered by another constitutional right—the right to freedom of expression.
This French secular tradition was further fortified in the face of new challenges posed by immigration, largely from former French colonies.
In 2004, another law was promulgated, which banned schoolchildren from wearing any overt signs or clothes that would betray their religious affiliation. This effort aimed to create a unique school space where everyone would appear equal and “religiously anonymous”—with no crosses, headscarves, burqas, turbans, or Jewish kippahs (skullcaps).

Difference Between Western Secularism and Indian Secularism:

*The western model of secularism*	*The Indian model of secularism*
Mutual exclusion of state and religion, i.e. non-interference in affairs of each other.	Principled distance of state from religion, i.e. state can interfere or engage with religion.
Embodies a negative concept of secularism, i.e. strict separation between religion & state	Embodies a positive concept of secularism, i.e. equal respect to all religions or equal protection of all religions (Sarvadharma Sam Bhava)
No state support to any educational institution run by religious minorities.	A state can aid educational institutions run by minorities.
No engagement with religion whatsoever.	State-supported religious reform is possible. For e.g.: Abolition of untouchability, allowing inter-caste marriages, etc. The state can maintain religious neutrality and can eliminate evils of religion via legislation.
No public policy can solely be based on religion, as religion is completely a private matter.	The government frequently frames policies having a religious basis, like the constitution of waqf boards etc.