The French government says draft legislation aimed at combating the extremist ideology that has taken many lives on French soil in recent years is a “law of freedom” necessary for peaceful coexistence.
Tag: Religion-State Relations
Macron’s Rightward Tilt in France Sows Wider Alarm
One bill would reach into Muslim life, and another would place new restrictions on filming of police. Critics say they’re part of a drift toward repressive government policies.
France’s Dragnet for Extremists Sweeps Up Some Schoolchildren, Too
When France held a tribute to a teacher killed after a class on freedom of expression, the police interrogated at least 14 students over comments flagged as inappropriate.
Killing of a Teacher, Samuel Paty, Raises Doubts About French Integration
For generations, public schools assimilated immigrant children into French society by instilling the nation’s ideals. The beheading of a teacher has raised doubts about whether that model still works.
After Teacher’s Decapitation, France Unleashes a Broad Crackdown on ‘the Enemy Within’
With dozens of raids against Muslim individuals and groups accused of radicalism, the fury of the response had France’s right wing speaking in terms of warfare.
Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Reopens as a Mosque
The Muslim faithful celebrated the decision by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, even as it generated dismay among Christians and architectural conservators.
Coronavirus in Israel: Cases Soar Among Ultra-Orthodox Jews
Failure to comply with government restrictions is causing the coronavirus to spread in ultra-Orthodox communities up to eight times faster than elsewhere in Israel.
Brazil Under Bolsonaro Has Message for Teenagers: Save Sex for Marriage
Brazil’s minister for women and families, an evangelical pastor, formulated a new abstinence campaign in consultation with a religious group. Critics say the move blurs the church-state line.
Retirement Home Told a Nun She Couldn’t Wear Religious Attire
Officials apologized and said the case was an incorrect interpretation of France’s secularism law.
In Bolivia, Interim Leader Sets Conservative, Religious Tone
The leader, Jeanine Añez, promised to unify a nation in turmoil. But her initial steps, taking the country rightward and injecting religious themes, risk deepening the divide.