“Grand Orient de France

Declaration

The Freemasons of the Grand Orient de France, faithful to their secular tradition of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity pay emotional tribute to the spectacular movement of students and workers of town and country who express their fervent desire for justice, democracy and progress, while keeping their sense of responsibility.

By refusing the right of protest and dialogue with the students’ and workers’ representative for the last 10 years, the State (in monopolising public information for its own exclusive use) has made itself a closed and technocratic authority claiming the monopoly on decision-making for itself.

The refusal of popular aspiration must inevitably lead to revolt.

It is the students who are the first to wake up a sleeping Nation, making it examine its conscience and take a stand.

This is proven by the millions of strikers and the occupation of workplaces.

The Grand Orient de France once again condemns the heavy-handed and brutal repression that has transformed peaceful demands into rioting:
It is inconceivable that a society ignores its youth.

The Grand Orient de France considers that a democratic and progressive government based on the lifeblood of the Nation and on its representative bodies can, alone, respond to the requirements of our times.

The Grand Orient de France has endeavoured to define the requirements of tomorrow and bring modern and constructive solutions to them, notably over the last 10 years in its conferences, congress and days of study.

It is pleased by the free participation of its members in the action undertaken to awaken civil spirit and galvanise the desire for democracy.”

Black offset on orange paper

40 x 60cm

This is one of the more surprising posters from May 68: a declaration of support for the students and workers from the largest Masons’ Lodge in France.

Documented in:
Chartres #155; Artcurial #429