WEA calls on France to ensure that new laws on worship respect freedom of religion

The World Evangelical Alliance called on the government of France to ensure that new legislation on worship is not restrictive or constraining, is applied harmoniously across the territory of France by departments and prefectures, and with adequate attention to the needs of diaspora religious communities in France. The WEA further invited France to include anti-religious hatred in the mission of the DILCRAH (Interministerial Delegation for the Fight against Racism, Antisemitism and Anti-LGBT Hatred) to cover offenses and discrimination against people of other origins and religions. Finally, the WEA recommended that France amend the Public Health Code to include a general conscientious objection clause for all caregivers, particularly in the areas of procreation or the end of life.

The oral statement was made at the Human Rights Council 54th session, during the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome of France, on 29 September 2023.