School of Politics and International Relations

Dr Sarah Wolff, France is proud of its secularism. But religion could shape who wins Sunday

5 May 2017

In an election that has frustrated that traditional split, religion could end up being a confounding, rather than clarifying, force, according to an article in the Washington Post. Dr Sarah Wolff comments that with debates over the integration of Muslims playing out over matters of public dress and activity, a “typical liberal view of laïcité” [secularism] may leave vulnerable citizens unprotected. She argues that Macron may have to take a more controversial stand. “What is needed is a critical approach to adapt laïcité to current times. Laïcité as equal conditions for all citizens to practice their religion,” she adds.
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