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The history of secularism (laïcité)
In France, the State and the Churches were separated in 1905. The founding principle of secularism (laïcité) appeared more than 100 years earlier, in 1789.
Key points of the sheet
- In the past, the Catholic Church had a central role. It controlled, among other things, education, civil status and public morality.
- In 1789, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen created freedom of conscience and religion. It is the foundation of secularism (laïcité).
- In 1801, a treaty called the Concordat organised relations between the State and the Catholic Church.
- In 1882, public primary school became compulsory, free and independent of the Catholic Church. School became a neutral place, without religious teaching.
- In 1905, a law separated the Church and the State. The State is independent of religions and funds no religion.
- In 2004, a law concerned public schools, lower secondary schools (collège) and upper secondary schools (lycée). It banned wearing there, with the intention of being seen, a religious sign or item of clothing.
- In 2021, a law strengthened secularism (laïcité) and neutrality in public services and associations.
- The 1789 Declaration says that men are born and remain free and equal in rights. No one should be troubled for their opinions, even religious ones, if their expression does not disturb the public order established by law.
Words to know
- secularism (laïcité)
- It is a principle founded on the freedom of conscience and religion of 1789.
- freedom of conscience (liberté de conscience)
- The 1789 Declaration created this principle, with freedom of religion. It is the foundation of secularism (laïcité).
- Concordat
- It is an 1801 treaty that organised relations between the State and the Catholic Church.
- civil status (état civil)
- These are births, marriages and deaths. In the past, the Catholic Church controlled them.
- Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen)
- It is a text from 1789. It created the principle of freedom of conscience and religion.
- offence (délit)
- Religions respect rules set by the State. For example, it is forbidden to commit an offence (délit) in the name of a religion.
Test yourself: 3 questions
What is the name of the 1801 treaty between the State and the Catholic Church?
In French, the language of the exam: Comment s'appelle le traité de 1801 entre l'État et l'Église catholique ?
In 1801, a treaty called the Concordat organised relations between the State and the Catholic Church.
In which year did public primary school become compulsory and free?
In French, the language of the exam: En quelle année l'école primaire publique devient-elle obligatoire et gratuite ?
In 1882, public primary school became compulsory, free and independent of the Catholic Church.
What does the 2021 law strengthen?
In French, the language of the exam: Que renforce la loi de 2021 ?
In 2021, a law strengthened secularism (laïcité) and neutrality in public services and associations.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
- What does the law of 1905 decide?
- Which text created, in 1789, the freedom of conscience that is the basis of laïcité (secularism)?
More in this topic (Secularism (laïcité))
- The definition of secularism (laïcité) (1/2)
- Secularism (laïcité) at school (1/2)
- Secularism (laïcité) at school (2/2)
Source
Sheet “Histoire de la laïcité” 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.