Laïcité: Principle of Secularism in France | 07 Sep 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the French government announced a ban on the wearing of the abaya, a traditional Islamic robe, in state-run schools.

• This decision was framed as a measure to uphold the principle of Laïcité, France's commitment to secularism. The move was met with both support and criticism, sparking a broader conversation about the role of Laïcité in modern France.

What is Laïcité?

• About:
  • Laïcité is a complex and politically charged term in France. It signifies a formal separation of the State and Church, emphasising the complete removal of religious values from the public sphere, replaced by secular values such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.
    • Laïcité finds its origins in the struggle of anti-clerical Republicans against the power of the Catholic Church.
• Changing Demographics and Tensions:
  • For the majority of the 20th century, laïcité was generally not considered a significant issue in France due to the country's relative homogeneity.
  • However, during the 1950s and 1960s, significant decolonization efforts in North Africa resulted in a substantial migration of people from predominantly Muslim nations like Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria to France.
    • This demographic shift triggered occasional tensions and challenges related to laïcité.
• Related Controversial Legislation and Interpretations
  • In 2004, France enacted a law prohibiting the wearing of "ostentatious" religious symbols in public spaces, including Catholic dresses, Jewish kippahs, and Muslim headscarves.
  • In 2011, face-covering veils were banned in public places. Each such decision stirred new interpretations of Laïcité.

How does Laïcité Compare with Indian Secularism?

• Historical Origins:
  • Laïcité: Laïcité is a concept rooted in French history and is a cornerstone of the French Republic.
    • It was solidified with the enactment of the 1905 law on the Separation of Church and State.
  • Indian Secularism: Preamble of the Indian Constitution declares India to be a "Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic." This sets the tone for the secular nature of the state.
    • The term ‘Secular’ was added to the preamble by the 42^nd Constitution Amendment Act of 1976.
• Characteristics:
  • Laïcité: Laïcité in France is characterized by strict separation of religious institutions from the state.
    • This includes the prohibition of religious symbols in public schools, government buildings, and the public sphere.
  • Indian Secularism: Indian secularism, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, is more accommodative of religious diversity.
    • The state is not separated from religion but is expected to treat all religions equally and impartially.
    • The Indian government can provide financial support to religious institutions, and religious symbols are allowed in various public spaces.
• Inspiration that France Can Draw From Indian Secularism
  • Sarva Dharma Sambhava: Indian philosophy of secularism is related to “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” (literally it means that the destination of the paths followed by all religions is the same, though the paths themselves may be different) which means equal respect to all religions.
    • Indian secularism does not exclude religion from the public sphere, but rather accommodates it in a way that does not infringe on the rights of others.
  • Protecting the Rights of Minorities: Indian secularism recognizes the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion as a fundamental right, subject to public order, morality, and health.
    • It also protects the educational and cultural rights of minorities, and allows them to establish and administer their own institutions.