)  :::: Laïcité is quite different from the US meaning of separation of Church and State. In the US the emphasis is on the State being prevented from interfering with religion, while in France it's on religion being prevented from interfering with the State. Laïcité also has a broader social impact, extending to keeping religion out of public contexts, especially including the workplace. Most will consider talking about personal religious beliefs or activities with people who are not family or close friends improper, as if trespassing into the private sphere.   (UTC