You are proposing to ban religious symbols in all public places. Doesn’t this radically change the concept of secularism, which is based on tolerance?
MLP: I am only referring to conspicuous religious symbols. Secularism has not had to be tolerant as there haven’t been many ostentatious religious symbols and dress until recently. This is the reality.The Muslim religion has arrived in our country like a tidal wave and radical Islam has begun to apply pressure by means of the veil. It was first banned in schools in 2004. Now, veils are everywhere in the streets. This is a significant breakaway from our idea of secularism, and from our conception of women. This offends French people.
But all religions are opposed to this ban …
MLP: Perhaps. But it is up to the French people to decide. There is a separation between Church and State in our country. If the State makes this decision, religions will have to abide by the rules.Secularism means that one can pass someone in the street without either one knowing what faith the other follows. Now, there is no contesting the fact that the veil is used as a symbol of religious faith.So, yes, we will return to a more rigorous secularism. This does not constitute an opposition to, or rejection of, religion. It is an act to ensure civil peace at a time when such religious manifestations cause more and more conflict.
You wish to relegate religions to the private sphere. So would you deny them right of expression in public debate?
MLP: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. The Conference of Bishops of France sometimes gets involved in what does not concern it: in particular, giving political directions.I don’t get involved with what the Pope should say to his followers. I don’t think religions should tell the French people how to vote.
What is your personal relationship to religion?
MLP: I have a strong faith and I am fortunate in that I have never doubted it.However, I admit that I am angry with the Church because I think that it interferes in everything except what it should really be concerned with. I have found that, in some personal circumstances, the Church has lacked compassion. But this doesn’t mean that I have no respect for some of the priests I meet.
If you are elected, will you invite the Pope?
MLP: With great pleasure. And I will tell him exactly what I have just told you.It does not surprise me that he appeals for charity and the welcoming of migrants. Charity, however, is up to each individual. He asks that States go against the interests of their own people by not placing conditions on the acceptance of significant numbers of migrants.To me, this falls within the realm of politics and even interference, since he is also a head of State.
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