To have xml-well-formed HTML templates with fluid, javascript code blocks must be put inside a CDATA section.
Bug with fluid: - https://github.com/TYPO3/Fluid/issues/474
CDATA was recommended once: - https://forge.typo3.org/issues/45071 - https://docs.typo3.org/m/typo3/guide-extbasefluid/8.7/en-us/Fluid/ThingsToKnow/JsAndInline.html#solutions
CDATA is still recommended: - https://docs.typo3.org/m/typo3/reference-coreapi/11.5/en-us/ApiOverview/Fluid/Syntax.html#comments