The shadow of Voltaire

Tonight's show was a multimedia play about la laïcité, a combination of filmed and live sequences covering the topic from Voltaire's time till the present day. Laïcité is a difficult concept to translate -- it's not just about the separation of church and state, but more about enshrining the principle of freedom of thought and belief in every aspect of society. Here it was also linked to other liberties, such as women's rights, popular education, and the end of slavery. It ended with a passionate call to defend these freedoms. All very noble, but it avoided awkward grey areas that are possibly only awkward for those not brought up in the laîque tradition.. For instance, suggested O, if everyone is free to follow any religion or none, why are Islamic headscarves banned in schools? Why are women harassed by police for wearing burkinis?