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Laicism (also laicity, from the Ancient Greek " λαϊκός" " laïkós", meaning "layperson" or "non-cleric") refers to a legal and political model based on the strict separation of religion and state. The French language term laïcité was coined in 1871 by French educator and future Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ferdinand Buisson, who advocated for secular education. In some countries, laicism is constitutionally enshrined, while others—primarily Western states—do not explicitly define themselves as Laicist but implement varying degrees of separation between religion and government.
Unlike the French model, where the state protects itself from religious influence (primarily Catholicism), the American model of separation aims to protect religious institutions from government interference, often coexisting with strong religious influence in society.
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Despite constitutional commitments, the implementation of laicism varies significantly across these nations.
Within the EU, Czech Republic, France, and Portugal are the only states constitutionally defined as laicist. France’s 1905 law created a complete separation of religion and state, particularly targeting the Catholic Church, though other faiths were also affected in the interest of neutrality. However, in Portugal and certain French regions (Alsace and Moselle), concordats with the Catholic Church continue to provide exceptions to full laicist application.
In Turkey, laicism is interpreted as the subordination of religious expression to the state. The government trains Islamic clergy and dictates religious instruction through the Presidency of Religious Affairs ( Diyanet).
The Catholic Church has never fully accepted ideological laicism but has, since Vatican II, renounced state privileges and the notion of a state religion (abolished in Italy in 1984).
In modern France, laicism is a constitutional ideal. Religion is strictly a private matter; it cannot play a public or governmental role. Religious buildings constructed before 1905 remain state property, though religious communities may use them. Religious groups receive no public funding (with exceptions), though tax exemptions exist. The Alsace-Moselle region retains the Concordat of 1801 due to historical circumstances. In French Guiana, the state still funds Catholic clergy. Chaplaincy services, including military chaplains, are also permitted and since 2005 include Islamic clerics.
French laicism is rigorously enforced. Public schools may not inquire about students’ religions. Since 2004, conspicuous religious symbols—like headscarves, kippahs, crosses, turbans, or religious habits—are banned in public schools. Nevertheless, religious broadcasts are aired on national media.
Former President Nicolas Sarkozy proposed a “positive laicism” to integrate religion more openly into public life and combat extremism, drawing criticism from laicist groups.
Though Germany is secular, it is not laicist in the French sense. The German model—often described as a cooperation model—balances state neutrality with religious partnership. However, increasing secularization and religious diversity have challenged this system's inclusivity and raised concerns about fair treatment for both religious and non-religious populations.
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Laicism hardened over the years. Religious symbols, including headscarves, were discouraged in public institutions. In 2008, a constitutional amendment allowed female students to wear headscarves, but it was struck down by the Constitutional Court. In 2010, the ban was permanently lifted by the Higher Education Council.
Religious minorities in Turkey still face discrimination. In 2008, the Chief Public Prosecutor sought to ban the ruling Justice and Development Party, partly over its religious orientation.
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