The lecture "Secularism in France at the beginning of the 21st century – A look back at some common misconceptions," presented byClémentBenelbaz, Senior Lecturer atthe Center for Private and Public Law of Obligations and Consumption(CDPPOC) at theFaculty of Law of the University of Savoie Mont Blanc(USMB), will take place on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. in Albertville (Le Dôme Cinema, 135 place de l'Europe).
It will also be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. in Annemasse (Château Rouge, 1 route de Bonneville).
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Secularism is one of the foundations of the French Republic. It has been a hot topic in public debate in recent years, sometimes causing tension, no doubt because it is often misunderstood or over-interpreted. It has become common for elected officials and public figures to invoke the 1905 law in order to advocate for certain measures or oppose others, ultimately dictating what secularism is or is not. Some of their proposals, particularly those that involve increasing exceptions to the principle of secularism (such as increasing opportunities to finance religious groups, helping them to construct buildings, etc.), are sometimes contrary to the original meaning of secularism, as it was conceived in 1905, which leads to a certain amount of confusion.
However, in reality, secularism and the 1905 law remain entirely consistent, clear, and therefore modern. Indeed, many questions can be answered by the text itself or the spirit of the 1905 law. Using examples from everyday life, the speaker will examine the meaning of secularism, as it has been historically conceived, and its applications in public services (students, parents accompanying school trips) and in public spaces (Christmas nativity scenes, etc.).
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