There is greater cultural diversity in France today than in the past, which is why the country needs secularism now more than ever, for it enables all citizens, whatever their philosophical or religious beliefs, to live together, enjoying freedom of conscience, freedom to practise a religion or to choose not to, equal rights and obligations, and republican fraternity.<br />Secularism is not an opinion among others, but rather the freedom to have an opinion. It is not a belief, but rather the principle authorizing all beliefs, providing they respect the principles of freedom of conscience and equal rights. For this reason, it is neither pro- nor anti-religious. On this basis, adherence to a faith or philosophical belief is entirely a question of freedom of conscience for every man or woman.<br />Secularism is facing new challenges that have arisen in recent decades, in the context of a rising tide of separatist claims and the misuse of secularism to stigmatize people. Republican secularism in France must draw strength from its heritage and rise to these challenges. The Monitoring Centre, with its wide range of members, has begun to examine the situation, in order to formulate opinions and recommendations.<br />This text aims to give an insight into the work of the Monitoring Centre by recapping the history and the legal and philosophical principles of secularism

Ce texte a vocation à éclairer les travaux de l’Observatoire de la laïcité à travers un rappel de l’histoire et des principes juridiques et philosophiques de la laïcité (<b>I.</b> La construction historique de laïcité - <b>II.</b> Le principe de laïcité - <b>III.</b> Aspects de l’application du principe de laïcité aujourd’hui).