France Considers New Approach to Islam, Minister Darmanin Tells Parliament

Responding to the question of the special commission on the draft law strengthening respect for the principles of the Republic and the financing of religions, he indicated that the idea is not to make a deal but to respect beliefs and respect their autonomy. "This provision is important but must be limited and explained to our fellow citizens. I say this from the depths of my republican faith, this provision makes it possible to respect beliefs, to take them seriously and to control them," assured the minister.

"This is what makes it a balanced law that allows the development of new religions on national soil, that allows them to be controlled, that takes them seriously and that accepts the idea that to fight against foreign external influences, of which you know that money is important. We need to provide a means of development," he added.

Submitted to the National Assembly on January 18, the draft law "strengthening the republican principles" will be the subject of plenary debates starting on February 1.