Islamophobia in France

[9] The word Islamophobie is itself subject of debate in France,[10][11][12] due to a perceived lack of clarity on whether it designates the fear of Islam or the racism against Muslims, the first being a legal opinion and belief while the second constitutes a crime according to French law.

[6] For a long time, conservative Muslims have been perceived as outsiders by the general French public, due to Islamic community structure and as a threat to individuality.

The objective to prevent discrimination between French citizens and to remove religious signs (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) from public space is seen as an injustice by some Muslims.

[20]On 11 April 2011, French Prime Minister François Fillon banned face veils from being worn in public spaces in France other than Mosques, at home or when travelling as a passenger in a car.

[26] In October 2017, France introduced an Anti-Terrorism Bill which authorised power for officials to search homes, restrict movement and close places of worship.

[27] The concept behind this bill has been commended by a United Nations human rights expert who also, on the contrary, highlights the negative influence this may have over religious freedom.

[27] In May 2019, French senate (dominated by legislators of the political right) voted in favor of a law to extend civil servant limitations to wear religion signs to helpers attending school trips.

Logical, because the media have to report on actual incidences, and so they have an incentive to adopt a discourse that echoes what potential readers, TV viewers, and listeners find appealing.

The conspiracy theory[30] term "Great Replacement" was created by Renaud Camus in 2011 identifying immigration policies as the main issue affecting the shift in the demographics of France.