Thought Police in France?

The Causes: A strong “anti-American” sentiment prevails amongst many French politicians and officials, especially in the office of the Prime Minister. Their tactic for handling opposition to the Picard-About bill was to brand the opposition as “American” and that Americans are just trying to interfere in France’s internal affairs. They have also accused those who criticize the bill of being Scientologists or members of other “sects” (even if they are U.S. government officials)—a kind of McCarthyism in itself. All of this contributes to a climate of fear where people of goodwill are effectively prevented from speaking out, lest they be blacklisted or boycotted as well.

The fact that many groups on a French government blacklist of “dangerous sects” are American-founded (Mormons, Christian Scientists, Scientologists, Quakers) reinforces this tactic. But the blacklist includes many other movements, including Buddhist groups. And while the key individuals pushing this bill are anti-religious (and anti-religious views in France aren’t new), much of the casual support for the bill probably comes from people who simply see this as a way to play to the party line and attack American influence.

Council of Europe Investigation: A petition was submitted to the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly from 40 different religious and human rights groups. (This is a Europe-wide legislative body made up of representatives from 52 European nations for the purpose of ensuring consistent government policy across the continent.) That petition resulted in a Rapporteur (official parliamentary investigator) being appointed to investigate the bill and religious discrimination in France. This investigation is ongoing. The Council of Europe specifically asked the French Parliament to delay its vote on the bill to give the Rapporteur time to complete his investigation. However, the French would have none of that.

Totalitarian Model: France is being looked at as a model in its treatment of religious minorities by totalitarian regimes such as China. In fact, French government officials behind this bill have met with Chinese officials to discuss their “successful actions” in battling religions. A senior French official was the only western European government representative to attend a November 2000 symposium hosted by the Chinese government, apparently to justify its harsh treatment of the Falun Gong group and various Christian churches. The Chinese-backed government of Hong Kong is considering adopting the French legislation to ban Falun Gong.

Next Step: The bill now goes to President Chirac for signature. After its transmittal, he has fifteen days to sign it. Within that fifteen-day period, however, he can ask Parliament to reconsider the bill or some of its provisions. He may also submit the bill to the Constitutional Council (the nation’s highest judicial authority) to determine whether it passes constitutional muster. Sixty members of the National Assembly or the Senate can also initiate an appeal to the Constitutional Council with a request for a review of the law’s legality.