Section actions
Duration: Non-procedural guide; the principle is part of daily life at all times
Cost: Free
On-site only
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- You if you have just arrived and want to understand the principle of secularism
- You if you go to school or apply for the public service
- You if you have a child in school and questions about religious signs
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- Understand which services are public (schools, town hall, hospitals, prefecture, universities)
- Know your rights to freedom of religion in the private sphere
- Employment contract (for religious matters at work)
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Principle: the State recognizes no religion and finances only neutral services. Religious buildings built before 1905 belong to the State and are rented to the cults. Religious associations created after 1905 are private.
- 2In public services: neutrality. This applies to staff (staff) and users in kindergartens/primary/college/lycées. Visible religious signs are prohibited: veil, kippa, large cross, turban.
- 3At university: the principle of secularism applies, but the prohibition of religious signs for students is not valid (law 2004 reserved for schools up to the baccalaureate). However, proselytism is prohibited.
- 4In the private sphere (street, shop, home): full freedom of religion and religious signs. No prohibition.
- 5At work in a private company: the employer may limit religious signs if: (1) this is justified by the task (contact with the clientele); (2) neutrality appears in the rules of procedure (after Cour de cassation 2013 Baby Loup); (3) there is a real risk of disorder. The ban should not be general and systematic.
- 6In the public service (employment in town hall, hospital, school): compulsory neutrality. Prohibition of wearing religious signs or displaying religious opinions during service.
- 7School for a child: Your child can practice any religion, but in public school visible religious signs are prohibited. At meals, alternative (vegetarian) menus exist — ask the canteen. No catechism, but compulsory moral and civic education.
- 8In the hospital: you are entitled to visit a religious representative ( Chaplain) if you request it. The hospital is neutral and cannot impose any religious practice.
- 9For naturalisation: knowledge of the principles of secularism is part of the civic examination. Any sign of religious radicalization can justify a refusal (article 21-24 of the Civil Code).
Common mistakes
Section actions
- To believe that secularism is an hostility to religion: it is the neutrality of the State, not individuals.
- Ignore the ban on religious signs in schools (and public services): a veiled child may be excluded.
- To think that the private employer cannot limit religious signs: he can if the task justifies it.
- Wear religious signs during a visit to the town hall or prefecture: withdrawal requested or refusal of service.
- Do not prepare for questions of secularism for civic examination: part of the test, important for naturalization.
Official sources
Section actions
Show sources in this section
Important remark
Secularism is governed by the law of 1905 the law 2004 - 228 (schools), the Labour Code (private employment). Indicative information; for a specific case, consult a specialized lawyer.
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