Former French President Hollande: Secularism Protects Religious Freedom, Ensures State Neutrality

"Secularism is not against Muslims, any more than it is against Catholics or against Jews," he said on Sunday, February 7 on Radio J. According to him, it rather "allows freedom of worship and freedom of conscience." "It ensures the neutrality of the State and ensures that no religion interferes in places where it has no place," explained the former French president.

"I say to the young people ’what a chance you have to live in France!’ You can believe or not believe. There is no state religion. In many countries, including democratic ones, there are state religions," he added.

During his intervention, the former head of state commented on the statements of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, who accused the government of "stigmatizing" Muslims with its bill against separatism. "To claim that a law can be seen as a text against Muslims is not to promote national harmony," he commented.

On Thursday, the National Assembly unanimously voted for Article 4 of the draft law "strengthening respect for the principles of the Republic" which provides for punishing with five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 75,000 euros any person who threatens, assaults or intimidates an elected official or a public service agent, with the aim of totally or partially evading the rules of public services.