120 years ago today, July 3, 1905 (June 1, 1905 in the lunar calendar), France separated the church and government. July 3, 1905. Today, the French House of Commons voted 341 in favor and 233 against, and the House of Commons voted 179 in favor and 103 against, approving the proposal to separate church and government, thus abolishing the "Academic Charter" signed by Pope Pius VIII and Napoleon in 1801. The principles of this bill are as follows: "The Republic guarantees freedom of belief and the freedom to conduct religious activities while observing public order. The Republic neither recognizes, pays pensions, or subsidizes any sect, but provides funds to pastors in universities, hospitals, and hospice." In addition, eliminate public worship budgets and ban the establishment of religious-related public institutions."