Islamophobia in France holds a particularly political significance since France has the largest proportion of Muslims in the Western world, primarily due to the migration from Maghrebi, West African, and Middle Eastern countries.^[1] The existence of discrimination against Muslims is reported by the media in the Muslim world^[2][3] and by the perceived segregation and alienation of Muslims within the French community.^[4] The belief that there is an anti-Muslim climate in France is heavily criticised by some members of the French Muslim community who terms it an 'exaggeration'.^[5]

This article needs to be updated. (January 2024)

Some French people hold a belief that Islam is opposed to secularism and modernity.^[4][6] This fear is sometimes considered to originate in the country's experience with terrorism and in the belief that Muslims are unable to integrate with the French culture.^[7]

A survey by the Pew Research Center in Spring 2014 revealed that out of all Europeans, the French view Muslim minorities most favorably with 72% having a favorable opinion.^[8] However, according to an opinion poll in 2009, 74% of Muslims in France believe that there is a conflict between living in devotion to one's religion and living in the western secular society.^[7] Muslim individuals' desire to integrate has been hindered by the reinforcement of cultural differences.^[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.^[13] Because of this, some authors urge to use racisme anti-musulman,^[14][15] literally "anti-Muslim racism", instead of Islamophobie, in order to differentiate between the distrust against Islam seen as a corpus of religious beliefs and the systematic hate and discrimination against Muslims.^[16][17]

According to researcher Vincent Gassier "'institutional Islamophobia' or 'State Islamophobia' doesn't really exist in France". In the past, Islam was seen by many as a liberal religion especially during the time of 'les lumières' (18th century).^[6] Anti-religious views (especially against Christianity) have developed through France's historical tradition of segregation between state and church.^[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.

Fundamental rights for Muslims in France are the same as any other French citizen, making it hard to introduce religious laws for some Muslims.^[20] The French adherence to the concept of Laïcité is in contradiction to some Muslim behaviors.^[20] In turn, forces resisting it are unable to cope with the strength of the growth in this concept.^[20] Political leaders emphasis that this is a protection of social cohesion within France, however it affects the inclusion of some Muslims.^[20]

French media portrayals of Islam often^{[weasel words]} depict mainstream anti-Islamic views.^[29]

"...negative outlook on Islam is covered by the French media — something both logical, and worrying. 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. Worrying, because this tendency legitimizes negative stereotypes about Islam."^[29]

There have been many reported cases of workplace Islamic discrimination against individuals. French law indicates two main guidelines regarding religion and employment.^[29] The "Protection of Individuals" indicates that one's religious beliefs must not disturb the functioning of the workplace, including views regarding hygiene and safety requirements.^[29] The "Proper functioning of the firm" highlights that religion must never interfere with performance or one's relationship with work.^[29] These French policies as seen as conflicting with some integrist views of Islam, claiming that it is dismissing their to practice the religion.^[29] For example, prayer breaks are disapproved.

• Freedom of religion in France
• Racism in France
• Islam in France
• Criticism of Islam
• Immigration to France