Muslim Mobilisation in France and the Concept of Laïcité

French politics are relatively immune to ethnic demands from immigrant minorities because of a Republican philosophy that invalidates any mobilisation on the basis of race, origin or religion. However, empirical research demonstrates that minorities find ways to voice their specific interests within the scope of the Republican ethos. This presentation draws on a case study that investigated how minority organisations adopted the notion of laïcité to defend Muslim interests. It first describes the challenge of minority representation and second analyses the mobilisation of minority organisations.  It demonstrates that the notion of laïcité can be a resource for mobilisation within the French political opportunity structure and can provide for a useful tool to negotiate a French Muslim identity. Finally, it discusses acceptance of diversity in French politics.