25 September 2019
Interreligious Relations (IRR) Issue 8 – Unpacking laïcité amidst rising Islamophobia in France: Favouring Equality or Discrimination? by Cristina de Esperanza Picardo
Abstract:
The French version of secularism, known as laïcité, was initially institutionalised with the aim of achieving religious freedom and equality. Paradoxically, in recent times, it has turned into a narrative that justifies imposing limits on the very liberties it sought to protect, especially with regards to the Muslim population. This paper unpacks laïcité and demonstrates how its multiple understandings contributed to a rise in Islamophobia. The analysis is done against the context of the War on Terror after 9/11 which has exacerbated anti-Muslim sentiment in France.
Abstract:
The French version of secularism, known as laïcité, was initially institutionalised with the aim of achieving religious freedom and equality. Paradoxically, in recent times, it has turned into a narrative that justifies imposing limits on the very liberties it sought to protect, especially with regards to the Muslim population. This paper unpacks laïcité and demonstrates how its multiple understandings contributed to a rise in Islamophobia. The analysis is done against the context of the War on Terror after 9/11 which has exacerbated anti-Muslim sentiment in France.
