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Equality (3/3)
This sheet explains what discrimination is. It also shows the forms of discrimination that the law forbids.
Key points of the sheet
- Discrimination means treating a person less well than another. The reason is a criterion forbidden by law, for example disability or religion.
- Discrimination can exist in several areas: employment, housing, education, access to public services.
- It can be direct, for example refusing a job because of origin. It can be indirect: a rule seems neutral but disadvantages some people.
- French law recognises more than 26 criteria of discrimination. For example: origin, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, religion.
- Discrimination is punished by fines and various sanctions. Prison is possible in case of a repeat offence.
- The State actively fights several forms of discrimination. For example: racism, antisemitism and discrimination because of religion.
- The State also fights sexism and anti-LGBT+ hatred and discrimination. Examples: lower pay, mockery, harassment, refusal of housing.
Words to know
- discrimination
- It means treating a person less well than another because of a criterion forbidden by law.
- racism (racisme)
- It is discrimination because of ethnic or racial origin.
- antisemitism (antisémitisme)
- It is a perception of Jews that can be expressed through hatred towards them.
- sexism (sexisme)
- It is a particular behaviour, often belittling, because of the person's sex.
- anti-LGBT+ discrimination (discrimination anti-LGBT+)
- It is a hostile attitude towards people because of their sexual orientation.
- repeat offence (récidive)
- In case of a repeat offence, a prison sentence is possible for discrimination.
Test yourself: 3 questions
How many criteria of discrimination does French law recognise?
In French, the language of the exam: Combien de critères de discrimination la loi française reconnaît-elle ?
French law recognises more than 26 criteria of discrimination.
What is indirect discrimination?
In French, the language of the exam: Qu'est-ce qu'une discrimination indirecte ?
Indirect discrimination is a rule that seems neutral but in fact disadvantages some people.
When is a prison sentence possible for discrimination?
In French, the language of the exam: Quand une peine de prison est-elle possible pour une discrimination ?
Discrimination is punished by fines. Prison sentences are possible in case of a repeat offence.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
- Which word names precisely hatred against Jewish people?
- Is it legal to insult someone in public because of their disability, appearance or sex?
- What does the State do to fight discrimination?
- An employer refuses to hire women in their company. What does the law say?
- Can an employer dismiss a pregnant woman, or one on maternity leave, because of her pregnancy?
More in this topic (The motto of the Republic)
Source
Sheet “L'égalité (3/3)” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.