Laïcité: Is French state secularism too extreme?

[The Lawspeaker]

FRENCH CONNECTIONS – Thurs. 21.07.16: France's brand of secularism – "laïcité" – is often the cause of bitter debates, particularly in the wake of last year’s Charlie Hebdo attacks. Critics say it's too extreme and call for more flexibility and tolerance with respect to religion. But defenders say it's the glue that keeps French people together in harmony.

[Tooting Carmen]

In some ways it is an affront to civil liberties. However, at this time of growing Islamic, and to a lesser extent Christian and Jewish fundamentalism, it is arguably needed as an antidote.

[The Lawspeaker]

I don't even believe in the concept. While I do agree with the idea that State and Church (as in the institution) should be separate, I do not believe that State and Religion should be separated: France is a Christian country and that fact should be expressed in his policies. In other words: the State (and its policies) should reflect the traditional national character.

[Tooting Carmen]

I don't even believe in the concept. While I do agree with the idea that State and Church (as in the institution) should be separate, I do not believe that State and Religion should be separated: France is a Christian country and that fact should be expressed in his policies. In other words: the State (and its policies) should reflect the traditional national character.

Well France still recognises traditional Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

[The Lawspeaker]

Well France still recognises traditional Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

It should go a bit further than that: it should mean a rejection of the multicultural society and an active protection of traditional culture and a protection of the traditional morality (and a rejection of the secular "values" such as liberalised prostitution and abortion).

[Tooting Carmen]

It should go a bit further than that: it should mean a rejection of the multicultural society and an active protection of traditional culture and a protection of the traditional morality (and a rejection of the secular "values" such as liberalised prostitution and abortion).

Believe it or not, France's laws against prostitution are among the strictest in Europe (to what extent it enforces them is another matter).

[The Lawspeaker]

Believe it or not, France's laws against prostitution are among the strictest in Europe (to what extent it enforces them is another matter).

That's only very recently and came from feminist groups. It doesn't punish women who engage in it but only punishes johns.