When Quebecers finally shucked off their Catholic religion in the 60's and 70's, it was way too late to dismantle every cross in the province. There's a church in every neighbourhood. But the attitude of people is these crosses are mere relics of a repressive era and symbols of a bad time.
  Similarly, in the US south, there are many statues and symbols of the Confederacy but they are not accepted as rightful ideology.

  Separation of church and state is a European idea about 500 years old. It was a major turning point in the slow move towards democracy. It is necessary for democracy to survive and thrive.