The year 2024 ends with a consecration for the City which has distinguished itself for its commitment, described as exemplary, in favor of secularism.
The City won the French Republic’s secularism prize, during a ceremony which took place in Paris, at the Hôtel de Beauvau, on Monday December 9. It was moderated by Vanessa Seddik, head of the secularism office and chaired by Pascale Léglise, director of public liberties and legal affairs. This national distinction recognizes several years of commitment to this republican value.
A reward for all the actions and projects carried out
The date of the event is not a coincidence: December 9 corresponded to National Secularism Day. Three communities were among the ten winners who defend the values of secularism. The City of Chambéry received this national distinction, the secularism prize of the French Republic. It was awarded by the Ministry of the Interior. For the Mayor of the City, Thierry Repentin, and the elected officials present – Sophie Bourgade and Martin Noblecourt, as well as several municipal agents – Dominique Bion and Elsa Bourrouilh – who represented the Chambéry delegation, this prize rewards several years of work, commitment and actions. “The national recognition received today shows that secularism is alive in Chambéry and that our approach is recognized as exemplary. Chambéry is proud to promote secularism with strength, creativity and kindness. This work is the result of collective mobilization“, explains Sophie Bourgade, deputy mayor, responsible for the inclusive city, the fight against discrimination and equal access to public services.
The key project: the secularism council
It was created in May 2023. For more than a year and a half, its objective has been to offer a window for exchanges on subjects linked to secularism, between all actors in society. This privileged space regularly allows several young people, both in and out of school, to be made aware of secularism, its values and its different representations.
