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Does laïcité require public agents to be neutral towards users?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: Yes, they do not show their beliefs at work. Yes. Public agents do not show their beliefs at work. This allows users to be treated fairly. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “La laïcité dans les services publics” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “La laïcité dans les services publics” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ Yes, but only for religion, not for politicsOui, mais seulement pour la religion, pas pour la politiqueNeutrality also covers political and philosophical beliefs.
- ✗ No, they may wear a religious sign if they wantNon, ils peuvent porter un signe religieux s'ils le veulentA public agent wears no sign that shows their religion.
- ✓ Yes, they do not show their beliefs at workOui, ils ne montrent pas leurs convictions au travailCorrect answer. Yes. Public agents do not show their beliefs at work. This allows users to be treated fairly.
- ✗ No, neutrality is only for usersNon, la neutralité est seulement pour les usagersNeutrality is not required of users: it is required of agents.
What the source says
« Les personnes qui travaillent dans les services publics ainsi que dans les entreprises ou associations qui ont une mission de service public ne peuvent pas exprimer ou montrer leurs convictions »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « La laïcité demande-t-elle aux agents publics d'être neutres envers les usagers ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR). The Ministry's wording: “La laïcité impose-t-elle aux agents publics d'être neutres vis-à-vis des usagers ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “La laïcité dans les services publics” (French).
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