Why the doctrine of Laïcité is central to France - and almost unheard of everywhere else
It is constitutional a principle central to almost every aspect of public life in France, and yet one without equivalent here in Scotland or across much of the world.
Now Laïcité (commonly translated as 'secularism') will be the subject of a new lecture hosted by L'Association des Juristes Franco Britanniques - The Franco British Lawyers Society - in Edinburgh next month.
The doctrine affects nearly every aspect of public life in France and yet its detail and its impact are little known outside that country
The society is a unique body whose members are lawyers of every type - students, teachers of the law, judges and practitioners, from the UK and France - and the Laïcité lecture on Thursday, April 3 will be given by Terry Olson, a member of the Conseil d’État and former Chief judge of the Administrative Court of Appeal of Versailles.
A spokesperson for the Society said: "Laïcité in France finds its roots in the Loi du 9 décembre 1905 concernant la séparation des Églises et de l'État, which has remained in force since that date with only minor amendments. It is commonly translated into English as ‘secularism’ but in truth there is no translation which can exactly reflect the proper meaning of the term.
"Nor is there any equivalent north of the Channel which can serve as a comparison. The doctrine affects nearly every aspect of public life in France and yet its detail and its impact are little known outside that country.
"It could be said that in order to understand France it is necessary to understand laïcité, and to know how it operates today in France, in a religious context quite different from 1905."
The event will be held at the Mackenzie Building in Old Assembly Close at 172 High Street, Edinburgh. Wine and soft drinks will be served after the talk. The event can also be watched remotely. Whilst the talk will be given in English, those who would like to ask questions in French are invited to do so.
Registration is not essential for those attending in person but organisers say it would help as an indication of numbers. For those who wish to attend remotely, express your interest by sending an email to scotland@ajfb-fbls.org
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