ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the historical grounds of the construction of laicite in France. French laicite, throughout its history and in the current context, conveys in different degrees and with differing consequences, a profound suspicion of religion that regularly engenders a somewhat tense attitude where religion is concerned. French laicite, despite the traces of antireligious criticism that may linger in it, is effectively evolving toward a broad-minded regulation of religious diversity in tune with the rest of Europe. The chapter presents the current reactivation of certain secular tensions concerning religion. It discusses the underlying tendency at work in France as in other European countries: an evolution toward a broad-minded regulation of religious diversity. An ideological laicite whose antireligious dimensions are poorly disguised contrasts with an empirical laicite that respects religious freedom and is capable of recognising the positive contributions of religions to civilisation.
