1. Secularism protects religious belief and believers in an uncertain world

Secularism is sometimes portrayed as anti-religious, which is wrong. Secularism’s primary purpose is to protect freedom of religious belief and practice. It ensures religion’s independence and freedom from state interference. The greatest secular constitution is that of the United States. Its establishment clause reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” Under this law every religion can flourish without fear or favour or interference from the Government.

2. Secularism protects the right to self-determination

All people should be able to determine for themselves what they believe, who they are and how they will live their lives. In a secular state it should be impossible for one religious group to write into law any coercive requirements that impact on people who do not share their beliefs. It reasserts the rights and dignity of the individual over the vagaries of group identity, particularly sectarian identity, which often mask deep injustices (particularly towards women.)

3. Secularism protects free expression

Religious fundamentalists often feel that their beliefs are entitled to special exemption from the rough and tumble of debate in an open democracy. They often ask that their doctrines receive special protection against “offence” or “defamation.” We believe that such protections are a severe threat to free speech. Under a secular constitution, no such exclusive protections would be granted.

4. Secularism ensures that there is only one legal system that serves us all

We should cherish our democratic institutions, which guarantee that every citizen is equal under the law – the same law. However, some members of religious groups demand parallel legal systems based on their religious creeds. Creating more than one legal system in this country will bring disadvantage to other minorities and to women. The secular legal system protects all people equally. It must not be compromised.

5. Secularism protects religion from state interference

Under our present system of establishment, the State still has the power to interfere in the affairs of the Church of England. It can dictate the appointment of bishops and the laws governing the internal workings of the Church have to be approved by parliament. The Church should be free to run its own affairs without interference from any outside body, so long as it abides by the secular law.

6.Secularism protects the state from theocracy

Religion can harbour political ambition and this is not always healthy for democracy. History tells us what the consequences can be when religion becomes enmeshed in the political process, We can see theocracies operating in other parts of the world and observe the injustices, corruption and persecutions that are endemic within them. Secularism protects the st5ate from religions that seek to impose their doctrines by law.

7.Secularism is the bedrock of a truly just democracy

In a secular democracy all are equal citizens before the law and parliament. No religious or political affiliation brings advantage or disadvantage. This ensures that everyone can have an equal opportunity to prosper on their own merits, and no religious preference will push them back or forward.

8. Secularism protects believers and non-believers alike from persecution

When on religion takes power, other religions are disadvantaged. We see from events in theocratic countries in the Middle East that when one religion becomes the state – as in Iran and Saudi Arabia – minority religions are persecuted. Christians in these countries are punished because of their religion. This experience has also been part of British history. We can protect ourselves from such a situation ever arising again by instituting a secular constitution that prevents any religion taking over the functions of the state.

9. The public space we share cannot be colonised by one opinion

There are spaces and institutions in the public realm that we must all share: hospitals, schools, the police, local authorities. It is essential that these institutions remain secular so that no-one can be denied their services on the grounds of what they do or do not believe. A secular constitution would guarantee that none of our shared spaced could ever be co0lonised by a single opinion that becomes exclusive and excluding.

10. Secularism recognises the changing demographics of a nation, but does not allow those with minority status to suffer disadvantage

Britain is changing fast, whether we like it or not. Our demographics show an increasingly diverse society that is not always at ease with itself. As one section of the population becomes personally secular and irreligious, another increases its religious fervour. We have to live together peacefully, without permitting any single ideology or theology to dominate. Secularism protects all minorities from exclusion from the national life. Whatever people’s religion or belief, colour or sex, secularism will ensure that whatever happens in society, the state will never be used as a means of attacking them.

 

Terry Sanderson is the President of the National Secular Society