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In what year was the law separating the Churches and the State passed?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: 1905. The law separating the Churches and the State dates from 1905. The State becomes independent of religions and funds none. Do not mix it up with 2004, the law on religious signs at school. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Histoire de la laïcité” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “Histoire de la laïcité” (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
- ✗ 178917891789: the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen creates freedom of conscience.
- ✓ 19051905Correct answer. The law separating the Churches and the State dates from 1905. The State becomes independent of religions and funds none. Do not mix it up with 2004, the law on religious signs at school.
- ✗ 188218821882: public primary school becomes compulsory and free.
- ✗ 200420042004: a law forbids religious signs in public schools.
What the source says
« En 1905, une loi sépare l’Église et l’État : »
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: « En quelle année la loi de séparation des Églises et de l'État est-elle votée ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the resident card (CR) and for the multi-year residence card (CSP) and on the naturalisation list (PDF read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “En quelle année la loi de séparation des Églises et de l'État a-t-elle été votée ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Histoire de la laïcité” (French).
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