There's no doubt the issue divides the left. It even divides the UMP (which is why I still don't think I know what will really transpire in terms of legislation).

But that capacity to divide is one reason why it's being shoved out there, like the "great debate on national identity". Cosy up to the Le Pen electorate, which Sarkozy needs; get impassioned culture-war debate going as a smokescreen for all the real problems; divide and weaken the opposition. Except that it also divides more than just the opposition, and the notion that it is all a cynical ploy has gained ground until the "national identity" thing has failed and been pulled back. That's one part of the culture-war stink bombs that didn't work, at least.