Understanding Secularism

Understanding Secularism

• Imagine the resentment felt as a Hindu or Muslim in the US when denied housing due to Christian fundamentalism which highlights potential anger towards discrimination
• Anger could manifest as retaliation or advocacy for justice, which is the essence of secularism which aims to end religious domination in society
• History is full of examples of discrimination, exclusion, and persecution based on religion, such as the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany
• The Jewish State of Israel treats its own Muslim and Christian minorities poorly
• In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslims are prohibited from building places of worship and gathering for prayer, which highlights religious discrimination is still present despite many peoples wishes
• Discrimination arises when one religion is officially favored by the State, so secularism avoids discrimination based on religion
• Secularism is the separation of religion from the State

Why Separate Religion from the State?

• Secularism prevents religious persecution from the State in countries with multiple religions as the majority group might misuse their power and resources to discriminate against other religions
• The State should protect the freedom of individuals to change/leave religions, or interpret religious teachings differently
• Without government interference, religious elites could impose their interpretations, like continuing untouchability

Indian Secularism

• The constitution mandates India to be a secular state to prevent religious dominance
• The goals of Indian Secularism are that no religious community dominates another, no members of community dominates each other, and the State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious feedom of individuals
• The Indian State prevents domination by distancing itself from religion, government spaces aren't meant to display or promote religion
• The Indian State also doesn't interfere with religious practices in order to respect all religions
• Exceptions are made for particular religious communities because the law recognizes that wearing a turban is an important practice of the Sikhs and so it is allowed as an exception from the law
• Indian Secularism intervenes to prevent domination, like in the case of untouchablility which is banned as it violates citizens rights
• The State also supports religious communities by giving them the right to set up their own schools and colleges, providing financial aid without religious preference

Comparing to other Democratic Countries

• A core tenet of Indian secularism is to ensure equal inheritance rights therefore the State may have to intervene in the religion-based ‘personal laws' of communities
• Similar objectives can be found in other secular nations as well
• The First Amendment of the US Constitution prevents laws that establish a religion or prohibit religious expression, which shows a need to distance the Church from the State
• The US does not want the State nor religion interfere with each other
• Indian secularism allows state intervention in religion, distinguishing it from the strict separation in the US, such as banning untouchability
• Despite the constitutional safeguards, religious rights violations still occur in India
• Constitutional provisions are needed to prevent violations of religious rights
• Awareness of these rights enables recognition and action against violations
• In February 2004, France banned conspicuous religious symbols in schools leading to resistance from immigrants, showing some laws still affect religious expression