U.S. Religious Freedom Envoy Expresses Concern Over France’s Approach to Faith

"I am concerned, obviously, about what is happening in France. There can be a constructive dialogue that I think can be useful," he said in an exchange with journalists, warning that "when you are too repressive, the situation can get worse."

"Our point of view is that the role of government is to protect religious freedom. You cannot practice your faith violently [...] but if you practice your faith peacefully, you are within your rights," he added.

In the face of Islamism, a "bill strengthening secularism and republican principles" has been developed. After the stage of the Council of State, the government is examining this project this Wednesday, December 9, in the Council of Ministers. In an op-ed published in early November in the columns of Financial Times, French President Emmanuel Macron explained that "France is fighting against Islamic separatism, never against Islam".