Dear Madam, Dear Sir,

   Please find here an Appeal for the respect of the principles of Religious Freedom and Lay State in the future European Constitution, adressed to the European Convention.
   The Appeal, which states that "the principles of lay State, of separation and independence between the State and the Churches, of equality and non discrimination between citizens, and consequently between the different religions and Churches, are the basis of democracy and the rule of law", in particular asks "that no direct or indirect reference to any specific religion or belief is included in the future European Constitution".
   This Appeal has already been signed by 252 parliamentarians from the 15 EU Member States. Moreover, on my initiative, 243 Members of the European Parliament – from all political groups, UEN excepted – have also signed the text under the form of a parliamentary resolution. The objective would be to reach the absolute majority of the EP Members in order that this resolution becomes the position of the European Parliament.
   Given the political importance of the question and the large debate that it has aroused, we have decided to sollicite also the mobilisation of citizens, NGOs and associations wishing to adhere to this initiave.
   Therefore it is now possible to sign the Appeal on line clicking on the following link http://www.radicalparty.org/lay_europe/form.php. Besides, in order to give a greater visibility to this initiative, I also invite you – if possible – to put this link on the website of the association or organisation of which you are responsible.

- the right to freedom of religion, to change religion, to manifest religious beliefs in worship and to religious association are rights recognised by the international, European and national law on human rights and fundamental freedoms

- the principles of lay State, of separation and independence between the State and the Churches, of equality and non discrimination between citizens, and consequently between the different religions and Churches, are the basis of democracy and the rule of law,

- the European Union comprises, notably in the perspective of enlargement, citizens of different nationalities, provenance, language, race and religion or belief, in the common aim of assuring peace, progress and prosperity to everybody

ask the Convention and its members, the Council, national governments and parliaments

- to assure that no direct or indirect reference to any specific religion or belief is included in the future European Constitution

- to guarantee the right to freedom of religion, to change religion, to manifest religious beliefs in worship and to religious association, together with the principles of lay State, of separation and independence between the State and the Churches.