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This webpage offers a database of English-language news stories about secularism from January – December 2023. Users can search by date, country of origin, or topic. Note that top stories are featured at the top.
3 May 2024
The Quebec government is seeking advice from the French government on applying secularism laws in the education system. Education Minister Jean-François Roberge has requested a meeting with the French Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, to learn from France's "best practices" in applying its stricter secularism law. This request comes after the Coalition Avenir Québec government adopted Bill 52, which renews the use of the notwithstanding clause to shield Bill 21 from court challenges for another five years. Many are concerned about the Quebec government's move to adopt the French government's strategy towards adopting and influencing secular values.
By Montreal Gazette
All News
Title | Date | Journal | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
France’s secularism increasingly struggling with schools, integration | 26/05/2024 | Newsgram | This article explores the ongoing controversies surrounding the prohibition of religious symbols and secular values in France. The ban on hijabs for French athletes in the upcoming Paris Olympics has sparked a debate, with individuals from various backgrounds finding it difficult to reconcile their educational pursuits with their religious beliefs. | https://www.newsgram.com/france/2024/05/26/frances-secularism-increasingly-struggling-with-schools-integration |
From schools to the Olympics, how France’s staunch secularism affects religion in public life | 26/05/2024 | Odessa American | This article discusses the ongoing controversies surrounding the ban on religious symbols and secular values in France. The ban on hijabs for French athletes in the upcoming Paris Olympics has sparked a debate. France's principle on secularism, prohibits the wearing of "excessive" religious symbols by staff, students, and players in public schools, hospitals, courts, and sports fields. However, visitors and spectators are exempt. With France hosting the Olympics in two months, this approach to defining the role of religion in public life is under increased scrutiny. | https://www.oaoa.com/people/religion/from-schools-to-the-olympics-how-frances-staunch-secularism-affects-religion-in-public-life/ |
A 'couple more French classes' won't help students | 25/05/2024 | Montreal Gazette | This article discusses the debate on the quality of French education in English schools in Quebec. French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge believes that the English school boards may not adequately teach French. However, Joe Ortona, chair of the English Montreal School Board, argues that their French programs are strong and that students in the advanced French program perform better than their counterparts in the French schools. | https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/the-corner-booth/a-couple-more-french-classes-wont-help-students-the-corner-booth |
France’s secularism increasingly struggling with schools, integration | 25/05/2024 | Voice of Europe | This article explains the controversy surrounding France's approach to secularism, particularly the hijab ban for French athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics. It explores how France grapples with secularism and religion in public life, especially concerning prohibiting signs of faith in public schools to promote national unity and secular values. It also includes the voices of various Muslim women who expressed the challenges of practicing their religion in France and navigating the public school system. | https://www.voanews.com/a/france-s-secularism-increasingly-struggling-with-schools-integration/7625155.html |
What is a secular state? How South Africa has tried to separate religion and politics | 24/05/2024 | The Conversation | The article describes the challenges of separating politics and religion in South Africa. It explains the difficulties of applying the concept of secularism and emphasizes the need to understand the ambitions and strategies of state and religious actors to uphold constitutional freedoms. | https://theconversation.com/what-is-a-secular-state-how-south-africa-has-tried-to-separate-religion-and-politics-229637#:~:text=Therefore%2C%20secularism%20in%20South%20Africa,boundaries%20of%20religion%20and%20politics. |
From schools to the Olympics, how France’s staunch secularism affects religion in public life | 23/05/2024 | Toronto Star | This article explains the impact of France's secularism on religion in public life. It highlights the presence of signs of faith in multicultural areas like Paris and Marseille and in small villages in the French countryside in light of the growing concern of Muslim communities and the headscarves among Muslim women. | https://www.thestar.com/sports/olympics-and-paralympics/from-schools-to-the-olympics-how-frances-staunch-secularism-affects-religion-in-public-life/article_d280b298-cfec-51ed-b05d-9f05c3237087.html |
France is proud of its secularism. But struggles grow in this approach to faith, school, integration | 23/05/2024 | News Press Now | This article describes France's struggles with its secularism, particularly to the ban on hijabs for athletes at the upcoming Paris Olympics. The debate centers on the place of religion in public life and the integration of France's Muslim population. | https://www.newspressnow.com/sports/national/france-is-proud-of-its-secularism-but-struggles-grow-in-this-approach-to-faith-school/article_ca837619-868e-57d2-ae40-d5c05a314bda.html |
Some priests blame atheists for catastrophic floods in southern Brazil | 22/05/2024 | Crux | This article describes how some Christian leaders in South Brazil are trying to connect human behaviour to severe storms despite the increasing secularism in the area. Evangelical pastors have shared videos on social media claiming that Madonna's concert was a satanic ritual, using scenes of her desecrating Christian symbols as evidence. This highlights the ongoing influence of Christianity in Brazil, even as secularism grows. | https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-americas/2024/05/some-priests-blame-atheists-for-catastrophic-floods-in-southern-brazil |
Why Modi’s Hindu nationalism is a harder sell in India’s south | 21/05/2024 | Radio Canada | This article explains the recent political activities in India concerning secularism and Islam. It focuses on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Hyderabad and the BJP's campaigning in the southern states. Modi's speech, which incorporated mantras from Hindu scripture, emphasized his vision of an empowered national identity. According to Muslim citizens, this poses concerns about the secular stance and the potential negative impact of Modi's targeted remarks during the election. | https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2074183/why-modis-hindu-nationalism-is-a-harder-sell-in-indias-south |
Majority of people in Scotland have no religion, census shows | 21/05/2024 | The Guardian | This article discusses the results of the latest Scottish census 2022, revealing a significant shift in religious identity and ethnic diversity in Scotland. The census data shows that 51% of the population reported they belonged to no religion, marking the first time secular attitudes have surpassed religious affiliation. The Church of Scotland, once dominant, experienced a drastic decrease in its followers while the number of Catholics also declined. This census indicates a more diverse and secular Scotland. | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/may/21/majority-of-people-in-scotland-do-not-believe-in-any-religion-census-shows |
We must stop ignoring the elephant in the (religious) court room | 20/05/2024 | National Secular Society | This article describes a panel with Dr. Samia Bano, Rabbi Jonathan Romain, and Professor Russell Sandberg, experts in religious traditions and secular values. The panellists discussed the influence of Sharia councils providing services and courts handling divorce refusals in relation to religion, shedding light on the nature of the process. | https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2024/05/we-must-stop-ignoring-the-elephant-in-the-religious-court-room |
The resilience of religion | 20/05/2024 | Herald Malaysia Online | The article explains the historical significance of secularism and the dominant role of religion in shaping societies. It highlights how traditional societies were unified by a dominant religion, such as Christian Europe's obedience to the Pope and the adoration of the Mother Goddess in the Indian subcontinent. It also relates to the current state of religion in Malaysia and how the authority of the Catholic Church remains undermined, leading to a desire for a reformed religion. | https://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/the-resilience-of-religion/76086/2 |
PM Modi Says Opposition Plays Communal, Casteist Politics In Garb Of Secularism | 19/05/2024 | NDTV | This article describes how Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the opposition's allegations of communal politics during an interview with NDTV. He accused the opposition of engaging in communal politics. Modi expressed his determination to provide benefits without considering community, caste, or other divisive factors. | https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-says-opposition-plays-communal-casteist-politics-in-garb-of-secularism-5699654 |
Controversy erupts as Mumbai college bans hijab, other religious attire | 18/05/2024 | Siasat Daily | This article describes the controversy surrounding a Mumbai college's ban on hijabs and other religious attire. The college's management claims the prohibition aims to improve campus placements and instill 'etiquette' among students. The dress code notice, effective from June 2024, prohibits burqas, niqabs, hijabs, and any religious identifiers inside the college. | https://www.siasat.com/controversy-erupts-as-mumbai-college-bans-hijab-other-religious-attire-3028334/ |
Modi hurt sentiments of Hindus with ‘Ram temple demolition’ comments: MLC Jeevan Reddy | 18/05/2024 | The Hindu | This article describes the tensions between upholding secular values and religion in India. Congress MLC T. Jeevan Reddy's response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement regarding the Ram temple, criticizing his claim that the Congress party would demolish the Ram temple with bulldozers, calling it blasphemous and hurtful to the sentiments of Hindus and those who believe in the Hindu faith. | https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/modi-hurt-sentiments-of-hindus-with-ram-temple-demolition-comments-mlc-jeevan-reddy/article68189928.ece |
Belgian school religious symbol ban does not breach rights: top court | 17/05/2024 | Qantara | This article describes the ruling of a top European court on a Belgian regional ban on religious symbols in schools. The ban, in place since 2009 in the Flemish Community, prohibits wearing outward signs of religious affiliation. Three young Muslim women appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing for freedom of religion after being forbidden from wearing the Islamic headscarf at Flemish Community schools. The court ruled that the ban does not breach children's rights, stating that it does not inherently contradict the European Convention on Human Rights. | https://qantara.de/en/news/belgian-school-religious-symbol-ban-does-not-breach-rights-top-court |
Muslim professionals quit 'hostile' France in silent brain drain | 17/05/2024 | France 24 | This article examines a new study that sheds light on the departure of highly qualified French citizens from Muslim backgrounds, often the children of immigrants, in a quiet brain drain from France. They are now seeking opportunities abroad in cities such as London, New York, Montreal, or Dubai due to experiences of discrimination and alienation. | https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240517-muslim-professionals-quit-hostile-france-in-silent-brain-drain |
India grants first citizenships under new law criticised for discriminating against Muslims | 16/05/2024 | Yahoo | This article describes how India has granted citizenship to the first batch of people under a controversial new law criticized for discriminating against Muslims. The citizenship was granted to 14 people amid ongoing general elections, while protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) continued in Bangladesh-bordering states. The law, a key promise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) allows refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan belonging to minority religious groups to apply for Indian citizenship. | https://au.news.yahoo.com/india-grants-first-citizenships-under-112450401.html |
A Dutch anti-Islam party says it’s brokered a provisional coalition deal for a hard-right government | 15/05/2024 | Toronto Star | This article discusses the issue of anti-Islamism in conjunction with secularism. Geert Wilders, a prominent anti-Islam figure, and three other Dutch party leaders have reached a preliminary coalition agreement for a far-right government in another European Union country. The increasing presence of far-right and populist parties in multiple governments across the 27-nation bloc is a cause for concern in the upcoming European Parliament election from June 6-9 and secular values. | https://www.thestar.com/news/world/europe/a-dutch-anti-islam-party-says-its-brokered-a-provisional-coalition-deal-for-a-hard/article_5af12dda-f18d-552d-b598-e469be4fc88a.html |
India’s parliament has fewer Muslims as strength of Modi’s party grows | 15/05/2024 | Toronto Star | This article explains how Prime Minister Narendra Modi's increasing political successes over the past decade have prioritized the interests of India's Hindu majority. It highlights the diminishing political influence of India's 200 million Muslims and the escalating tensions between Hindus and Muslims under Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, which promotes a Hindu-nationalist ideology. The decreasing number of Muslims in the Indian parliament has raised concerns about the secular values promoted in India. | https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/indias-parliament-has-fewer-muslims-as-strength-of-modis-party-grows/article_ee389410-c0fe-5923-b762-b46b0d15fbc2.html |
National Secular Society: Northern Ireland churches reject poll which finds more than two in three English teachers oppose school worship | 14/05/2024 | News Letter | The article discusses a survey about teachers objecting to daily worship in English schools and the response from local churches in Northern Ireland. According to the survey, over two-thirds of senior leaders in English state schools do not support the law requiring daily acts of collective school worship. The main Protestant denominations in Northern Ireland argued that this survey has little relevance to Northern Ireland. In England, schools are legally mandated to conduct daily acts of collective worship, which should be "wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character." | https://www.newsletter.co.uk/education/national-secular-society-northern-ireland-churches-reject-poll-which-finds-more-than-two-in-three-english-teachers-oppose-school-worship-4628653 |
Turkey: Secularist opposition leader is against removal of Arabic signs in cities | 13/05/2024 | Middle East Eye | This article describes how Turkey's main opposition leader, the Republican People's Party (CHP), emphasized the importance of not targeting Arabic banners and signs in local municipalities under their party's control. He warned that singling out Arabic could be insensitive to devout Muslims and spark controversy regarding other foreign languages. | https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-secularist-opposition-leader-against-removal-arabic-signs-cities |
Why secularism is dying in India and beyond | 13/05/2024 | Times of India | This article discusses the increasing religiosity across the religious spectrum in India, Europe, and the US. It highlights the rise of religiosity and a decline in the number of individuals professing a lack of faith, leading to concerns about secularism. | https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-secularism-is-dying-in-india-and-beyond/articleshow/110087534.cms |
Our striking divide | 12/05/2024 | Geo TV | This article explores the social and political divides in Pakistan's society, focusing on their growing visibility. It describes the conservative nature of Pakistan's society, a significant departure from the secular vision of the country's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. | https://www.geo.tv/latest/543627-our-striking-divide |
Election 2024 and the politics of anti-Muslim discourse
| 11/05/2024 | Deccan Herald | This article explains the BJP's strategy for the 2024 election, focusing on the use of anti-Muslim rhetoric to discredit the Opposition's agenda and appeal to its core supporters. It emphasizes the party's reliance on anti-Muslim discourse to solidify its position and influence the upcoming election. | https://www.deccanherald.com/elections/india/election-2024-and-the-politics-of-anti-muslim-discourse-3018990 |
Turkey converts second Byzantine Church into Mosque after Hagia Sophia | 11/05/2024 | The Khaama Press | This article discusses Turkey's choice to repurpose the fourth-century "Chora" church in Istanbul into a mosque, which is the second significant conversion of a religious site during Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s presidency. The first conversion took place in 2020 when Erdogan changed the renowned Hagia Sophia church from a museum to a mosque. These decisions have sparked significant criticism and debate regarding secular values. | https://www.khaama.com/turkey-converts-second-byzantine-church-into-mosque-after-hagia-sophia/ |
Can Islamocentric Turkey find its European footing? | 10/05/2024 | The Greek Herald | This article describes the conversion of the church of Agios Sotiros in Chora into a mosque by proponents of neo-Ottomanism led by Turkish President Erdogan. This marks a departure from Turkey's previous secularism and is seen as a response to Erdogan's recent electoral defeat. The conversion has been celebrated by Islamic fundamentalists and Turkey's mainstream media. | https://greekherald.com.au/news/opinion/can-islamocentric-turkey-find-its-european-footing/ |
Be a Mensch: Healing the Secular-Religious Rift in Israel | 09/05/2024 | Jewish Link | This article discusses Be A Mensch (BAM) and their efforts to bridge the secular-religious divide in Israel. Former IDF chiefs of staff believe that internal solidarity is a greater threat than external conflicts. Public opinion also supports this, with 65% of respondents identifying the secular conflict as the most significant threat to Israel’s internal solidarity. | https://jewishlink.news/be-a-mensch-healing-the-secular-religious-rift-in-israel/ |
Support INDIA bloc to save secularism in India, Yechury urges voters | 09/05/2024 | The Hindu | This article examines how voters support the INDIA bloc to preserve secularism in India. Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of CPI(M), expressed concerns about the potential threat to secularism if the BJP led by Narendra Modi regained power and encouraged people to vote for the INDIA bloc to protect the country's secular values. | https://www.thehindu.com/elections/andhra-pradesh-assembly/support-india-bloc-to-save-secularism-in-india-yechury-urges-voters/article68154159.ece |
African parliamentarians vouch for religious and cultural values | 08/05/2024 | Monitor | This article discusses the support of African parliamentarians for religious and cultural values. It highlights the importance of these values and their impact on African societies, as well as the role of parliamentarians in upholding and promoting these values and the reasons behind their advocacy. | https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/african-parliamentarians-vouch-for-religious-and-cultural-values-4616376 |
Unity in diversity: Pakistan's interfaith journey | 08/05/2024 | Pakistan Observer | This article highlights the recent "Exchange on Inter-Faith Harmony" in Islamabad, which brought together individuals from various religious communities to promote acceptability, inclusion, and tolerance. It also outlines the necessary steps, including reviewing education curricula, highlighting religious similarities, focusing on youth, revising laws, and launching a behaviour change campaign to achieve interfaith harmony in Pakistan. | https://pakobserver.net/unity-in-diversity-pakistans-interfaith-journey/#:~:text=AN%20overwhelming%20majority%20of%20Pakistanis,and%20founding%20fathers%20created%20Pakistan. |
India votes in third phase of national elections as Modi escalates his rhetoric against Muslims | 07/05/2024 | The Canadian Press | This article discusses the ongoing Indian election, in which millions of voters across 93 constituencies are casting their ballots. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified his campaign, using polarizing language in speeches targeting the Muslim minority. | https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/world/india-votes-in-third-phase-of-national-elections-as-modi-escalates-his-rhetoric-against-muslims/article_3e7a54b1-91bd-5a30-90c0-e330ed871148.html |
Quebec doesn't need lessons from France on laïcité | 06/05/2024 | Montreal Gazette | This article discusses French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal's recent address to Quebec’s National Assembly, where he emphasized the close ties between France and Quebec and expressed support for Bill 21, a controversial law related to secularism. Attal’s endorsement of a restrictive view of secularism in Quebec, in contrast to the federal government's position, has raised diplomatic concerns. | https://montrealgazette.com/opinion/opinion-quebec-doesnt-need-lessons-from-france-on-laicite |
Narendra Modi: Transforming mindsets | 06/05/2024 | The Sunday Guardian | This article examines Narendra Modi's public display of his religious practices after the BJP's victory in the 2014 general elections. It focuses on his involvement in the Rudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and Ganga Aarti, highlighting his approach to balancing the practice of his religion and secularism. | https://sundayguardianlive.com/opinion/narendra-modi-transforming-mindsets |
Tracing The Journey Of Secularism | 05/05/2024 | Outlook India | This article discusses the book Secularism: How India Reshaped the Idea, written by political philosopher Nalini Rajan. The author defines secularism as the belief that the state, morals, education, etc. should be independent of religion. The book provides insights into India's secularism and how it has been reshaped over time. | https://www.outlookindia.com/national/tracing-the-journey-of-secularism |
Congress is playing with fire by attempting Hindu-Muslim divide: Rajnath Singh | 05/05/2024 | Dev Discourse | This article explains how the current Home Minister of India is criticizing Rahul Gandhi's lack of passion and accusing Congress of inciting Hindu-Muslim tensions for electoral gain. He predicted that the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) would remain committed to the Constitution. He denounced Congress's alleged fear-mongering and misinformation, particularly regarding Constitutional changes and the survival of secularism. | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/2928167-congress-is-playing-with-fire-by-attempting-hindu-muslim-divide-rajnath-singh |
"Secularism Doesn't Mean You Deny Your Own Religion" Jaishankar | 05/05/2024 | Asian News International | This article describes how India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, recently addressed issues related to secularism and foreign policy during his election campaign for the BJP party. He explained that secularism means respect for all religions and does not imply denying one's own religion or culture. The minister emphasized that India has a rich history, culture, and tradition should be respected and acknowledged. | https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/secularism-doesnt-mean-you-deny-your-own-religion-s-jaishankar-5594076 |
Indian Army: A Vanguard of Secularism in Action | 04/05/2024 | Financial Press | This article discusses the Indian Army's commitment to secularism and inclusivity. The Army is known for embodying the principles of unity, diversity, and secularism within India, with officers of various faiths participating in rituals and ceremonies associated with different religions. This commitment is a remarkable testament to the Army's dedication to promoting inclusivity and fostering unity in a diverse and pluralistic society. | https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-indian-army-a-vanguard-of-secularism-in-action-3477049/ |
Québec solidaire lays the foundations of its simplified "new program" | 04/05/2024 | Actual News Magazine | This article describes how Quebec's political party, Québec Solidaire (QS), plans to simplify its political program. The party members will meet to discuss the "Saguenay Declaration," which will serve as the basis for refreshing the party's ideas. The "Saguenay Declaration" emphasizes QS's commitment to interculturalism, with French as the common language. The document also highlights that a united government would reaffirm the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, which the Legault government plans to amend to protect the Law on State Secularism legally. The declaration aims to lay the groundwork for the renewal of QS's political program and outlines some of the party's priorities for the future. | https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/saguenay-declaration-quebec-solidaire-lays-the-foundations-of-its-simplified-new-program/ |
What would René Lévesque have thought of the use of the notwithstanding clause? | 04/05/2024 | Actual News Magazine | This article discusses the announcement by the Legault government to renew the use of derogation provisions of the Canadian and Quebec charters of rights and freedoms to protect the law on state secularism from challenges. The decision has caused an outcry from the Canadian legal community, who have opposed it for 40 years. | https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/what-would-rene-levesque-have-thought-of-the-use-of-the-notwithstanding-clause/ |
Turkey’s main opposition party protests new education curriculum as political, reactionary | 03/05/2024 | Turkish Minute | This article explains how a group of lawmakers from Turkey's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), protested against the Ministry of Education's new curriculum. The lawmakers argue that the new curriculum is a political text reflecting reactionary views rather than an educational program. They issued a press statement rejecting the new curriculum for its alleged attempt to undermine secularism and erase the revolutions of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. | https://www.turkishminute.com/2024/05/03/turk-main-opposition-party-protested-new-education-curriculum-as-political-reactionary/ |
Quebec asks France for tips on applying secularism laws in education system | 03/05/2024 | Montreal Gazette | This article describes how Quebec Education Minister Jean-François Roberge has requested a meeting with the French Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, to learn about France's "best practices" on implementing state secularism. Roberge's letter to Darmanin states that although Quebec's secularism model is not as strict as France's, there is much to learn from the French experience, especially in education. The request comes after the Coalition Avenir Québec government adopted Bill 52, which renews the use of the Constitution's notwithstanding clause to shield Bill 21 from court challenges for another five years. | https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/quebec-asks-france-for-tips-on-applying-secularism-laws-in-education-system |
Naveen Patnaik’s Support for Modi Negates Madhusudan Das, Biju Patnaik’s Secular Vision | 02/05/2024 | The Wire | This article explains how Indian statesman Naveen Patnaik supports Modi's vision for secularism. Patnaik has faced criticism for speaking on the importance of avoiding religious debates. | https://thewire.in/politics/naveen-patnaiks-support-for-modi-negates-madhusudan-das-biju-patnaiks-secular-vision |
The Law on Secularism once again protected by the exemption provision | 02/05/2024 | Actual News Magazine | This article explains how the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) and Québec solidaire (QS) have voted against renewing the exemption provision that would have protected the Law on State Secularism from legal challenges for another five years. Québec's Prime Minister, François Legault, criticized this decision, stating that it represents an abandonment of powers. Members of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and the Parti Québécois (PQ) supported maintaining the provision. Legault suggests that this vote creates a division between the political parties in Quebec, with the nationalist camp on one side and the camp abandoning Quebec's powers on the other. | https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/the-law-on-secularism-once-again-protected-by-the-exemption-provision/ |
Quebec Bill 21: more groups join Supreme Court bid | 01/05/2024 | CityNews | This article focuses on the NCCM and CCLA's appeal to the Supreme Court, challenging Quebec's Bill 21. The main issue is the use of the notwithstanding clause to shield the law from Charter challenges. The groups argue that the law discriminates against minority groups and sets a precedent for violating fundamental rights and freedoms. | https://montreal.citynews.ca/2024/05/01/bill-21-supreme-court-quebec-religious-law/ |
Rising Hindu nationalism leaves Muslims fearful in India’s holy city | 01/05/2024 | The Saudi Gazette | This article describes the increasing tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities in Varanasi, Narendra Modi's constituency. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, is criticized for working towards transforming India into a predominantly Hindu nation. Due to this, the Muslim community is apprehensive of facing stricter restrictions if Modi is re-elected. | https://www.saudigazette.com.sa/article/642545/World/Asia/Rising-Hindu-nationalism-leaves-Muslims-fearful-in-Indias-holy-city?ref=rss&format=simple&link=link |
What Muslims can do to blunt BJP’s divisive politics | 01/05/2024 | The Times of India | This article discusses the tension within the community in India, highlighting that they have not benefitted from the conservative leadership and the Congress' secularism. | https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/what-muslims-can-do-to-blunt-bjps-divisive-politics/articleshow/109754203.cms |
What does the faith school shake-up mean for Anglicans? | 01/05/2024 | The Spectator | This article discusses the recent decision of the UK government to allow new faith schools to have an entirely religious selection process. It explores why faith schools evoke strong emotions, noting that schools are small versions of society where the secularism of our culture can be restricted. With this decision, the current rule that a new faith school can only select half its pupils on religious grounds has been overturned. However, this has raised concerns that it could weaken the schools' religious character. | https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/what-does-the-faith-school-shake-up-mean-for-anglicans/ |
More groups join fight against Quebec’s controversial secularism law | 30/04/2024 | Global News | This article describes how the CEO of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, Stephen Brown, has criticized Quebec's secularism law, calling it cruel and dehumanizing. He argues that Bill 21 is preventing some religious minorities from pursuing educational professions. The National Council of Canadian Muslims and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association are taking the matter to Canada's Supreme Court, claiming that Bill 21 is exacerbating social tensions in Quebec. | https://globalnews.ca/news/10460914/groups-fight-quebec-secularism-law/ |
Quebec teachers union joins Supreme Court challenge to Bill 21 | 30/04/2024 | Montreal Gazette | This article examines how the Fédération autonome de l’enseignement (FAE), which represents over 66,000 teachers in nine unions, has teamed up with the English Montreal School Board to challenge Bill 21 at the Supreme Court of Canada. The FAE expressed their opposition to the Quebec government’s use of the notwithstanding clause, which protects the law from legal challenges based on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The FAE wants the Supreme Court to review the verdict of the Quebec Court of Appeal that upheld Bill 21. | https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/quebec-teachers-union-files-supreme-court-challenge-to-bill-21 |
Gabriel Attal accused of swinging to far-right territory | 29/04/2024 | Report News Agency | This article examines the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and the accusations that he is traditionally associated with the far-right territory within politics. | https://report.az/en/analytics/gabriel-attal-accused-of-swinging-to-far-right-territory/ |
Teachers union joins bid to have Supreme Court rule on Quebec religious symbols ban | 29/04/2024 | CTV News | This article examines that a significant teachers union in Quebec, the Federation autonome de l'enseignement (FAE), has announced its intention to challenge the province's secularism law before the Supreme Court of Canada, following the lead of the English Montreal School Board. The FAE opposes the use of the Constitution's notwithstanding clause by the Quebec government to prevent Charter challenges against the law. The union has released a statement expressing its disagreement with the law, which prohibits public sector workers in positions of authority from wearing religious symbols while working. | https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/fae-turns-to-supreme-court-to-challenge-quebec-s-secularism-law-1.6865796 |
Supreme Court notice on plea to allow people who have left Islam to inherit under secular rather than sharia law | 29/04/2024 | The Hindu | This article discusses how the Supreme Court has sought a response from the Union Government on a petition filed by a woman based in Kerala. The woman, P.M. Safiya, who was born a Muslim, has stated that she is now a non-believer and should be governed by secular statutes rather than Sharia law. The three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, has issued formal notices to the Union Government and the State of Kerala. The case has been posted for detailed hearing in July. | https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-notice-on-plea-to-allow-people-who-have-left-islam-to-inherit-under-secular-rather-than-sharia-law/article68120460.ece |
Subjecting the CAA Rule to proportionality | 28/04/2024 | The Leaflet | This article discusses constitutional challenges to India's Citizenship Amendment Act over citizenship, naturalization, and religion. The Act has faced opposition due to its residency requirements and exclusion of certain religions, such as Islam. | https://theleaflet.in/subjecting-the-caa-rules-to-proportionality/ |
Quebec unveils $603 million five-year plan to protect French language | 28/04/2024 | Global News | This article describes how Quebec's Minister Jean-François Roberge presented a $603-million plan to protect and promote the French language. The plan includes 21 measures to monitor language trends, improve students' French mastery, and boost the French cultural offering. The Quebec government aims to reverse the decline of the French with this new plan. | https://globalnews.ca/news/10456021/quebec-603-million-protect-french-language/ |
Paris suburbs get spanking new Olympic venues while teachers and pupils seethe in decrepit schools | 28/04/2024 | France 24 | This article reports on the recent protests by teachers and parents in Paris against the Paris Olympics. They are calling for immediate action to address various issues. The protests have been ongoing for several weeks and highlight the severity of the situation, even though the government has allocated millions to reduce social inequality and uphold France's secular values. These measures include the implementation of uniforms and the banning of abayas. | https://www.france24.com/en/france/20240428-paris-suburbs-get-spanking-new-olympic-venues-teachers-pupils-seethe-decrepit-schools-france |
Congress promoting reservation on religious lines, says PM Modi in Goa | 27/04/2024 | The Weekly Voice | This article describes how Prime Minister Modi accused Congress & allies of promoting religious reservation for vote-bank politics. He expressed confidence in winning elections with BJP's approach to advance values of secularism and social justice. | https://weeklyvoice.com/congress-promoting-reservation-on-religious-lines-says-pm-modi-in-goa/ |
Islamic mortgages are a major obstacle to state secularism
| 26/04/2024 | Actual News Magazine | This article questions the Canadian government's announcement regarding Islamic banking laws and loans and highlights concerns raised by Tarek Fatah. It argues that such loans could impose interpretations of the Islamic prohibition of ribâ, which would benefit the financiers. It highlights the community pressure by the Muslim community with the growing secular values across Canada. | https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/islamic-mortgages-are-a-major-obstacle-to-state-secularism/ |
France's PM stands with teachers after school chief quits in hijab row | 26/04/2024 | MSN | This article describes how the Prime Minister of France defended French secularism after a school principal in Paris resigned due to death threats. The principal had asked a student to remove her Muslim veil on school premises, leading to false accusations against the headmaster. Attal stated that the state would file a complaint against the student for falsely accusing the headmaster of mistreatment to uphold and maintain secular values. | https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/world/uproar-in-france-after-school-chief-quits-in-hijab-row/ar-BB1kDwTd?ocid=hpmsn&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1 |
Low voting turnout is the cause of Muslim disempowerment in India | 25/04/2024 | Muslim Mirror | This article explains the increasing centralization of power in India's union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP's consolidation of political, economic, and legal policies. Despite the increasing number of Hindu voters, there is still a significant disparity between the voter turnout of Hindus and Muslims, with Muslims feeling increasingly marginalized during elections. | https://muslimmirror.com/eng/low-voting-turnout-is-the-cause-of-muslim-disempowerment-in-india/ |
Can’t divide religions for votes in Goa | 25/04/2024 | The Times of India | This article reports on the recent statements made by Pramod Sawant, the Chief Minister of Goa, India. He reassured the public that Goan identity would be preserved against the efforts to divide religion for political motives. | https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/cant-divide-religions-for-votes-in-goa-cm-sawant/articleshow/109572997.cms |
Michaela School prayer ban: allowing for religious diversity in education is a tradition in England | 24/04/2024 | The Conversation | This article reports that a Muslim student at Michaela School in London has failed to challenge the school's ban on prayer rituals in the High Court. The school argued that the ban was implemented to prevent prayers from "undermining inclusion." Although the school's headteacher, Katharine Birbalsingh, described the ruling as a victory, she refuses to accommodate the needs of religious groups at a school, does not necessarily create inclusivity, and permitting religious diversity is a tradition in education in England. | https://theconversation.com/michaela-school-prayer-ban-allowing-for-religious-diversity-in-education-is-a-tradition-in-england-228138 |
Are Islamic mortgages compatible with Quebec-style secularism? | 23/04/2024 | Actual News Magazine | This article explores the possibility of the Canadian banking system introducing "Islamic mortgages," as proposed in the budget presented by the Trudeau government. The article also mentions the controversy surrounding Paul St-Pierre Plamondon's statement opposing the new mortgages, which has been criticized as being anachronistic. | https://actualnewsmagazine.com/english/are-islamic-mortgages-compatible-with-quebec-style-secularism/ |
Modi accused of ‘hate speech’ toward India’s Muslims in election rally | 22/04/2024 | The Washington Post | This article discusses the accusations of "hate speech" against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by his political opponents. During an election rally, Modi allegedly made comments that seemed to portray Muslims as taking the wealth of other Indians, which sparked outrage and criticism. The incident has brought attention to the issue of religious tensions in India and raised concerns about the use of inflammatory rhetoric in political campaigning. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/22/modi-india-muslims-infiltrators/ |
Prayer rituals in schools remain a divisive issue | 22/04/2024 | The Guardian | This article explains how the Michaela Community School in London has announced its secular status and removed all religious affiliations to focus on results. Although some argue that promoting students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development can only be achieved through religion, the school prevents parents from challenging its policy after signing up their children. | https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/apr/22/prayer-rituals-in-schools-remain-a-divisive-issue |
The Bloc’s fake freakout over halal mortgages is ridiculous | 22/04/2024 | The Globe and Mail | This article describes the tension between the advancement of secularism and the introduction of halal mortgages. The Bloc Québécois is opposing a proposal in last week's budget to expand access to halal mortgages and other alternative financing products. Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet and his MPs warned that this proposal would set Canada and Quebec on a slippery slope into sharia law. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/opinion/article-the-blocs-fake-freakout-over-halal-mortgages-is-ridiculous/ |
Why Canada is considering option of halal mortgages | 21/04/2024 | Toronto Star | This article reports that the federal government of Canada is planning to introduce financial tools for Muslim Canadians. They announced they would explore measures to expand access to alternative financing products, including halal mortgages. However, the proposal to consider products like halal mortgages has already drawn criticism from the Bloc Québécois, who is arguing that Canada is a secular country and that the integration of religious ideologies should not be allowed in the public sphere. | http://PDF available |
New French-language commercial signage rules continue to cause concern for Que. businesse | 20/04/2024 | CTV News | his article explores the impact of Quebec's language law on businesses operating in the province. The government's efforts to protect the French language have come under criticism from various economic organizations. They have written an open letter to the Legault government, urging them to reconsider these measures. The organizations argue that the language law could have adverse effects on the business community and Quebec's economy. | https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/new-french-language-commercial-signage-rules-continue-to-cause-concern-for-que-businesses-1.6855551 |
France to sue teenager for falsely accusing teacher of hitting her in row over headscarf | 20/04/2024 | MSN | This article reports that French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced that the state will file a lawsuit against a teenage girl who falsely accused her school headteacher of hitting her after she was asked to remove her hijab. The incident has sparked a heated debate in France, where the government is trying to assess what accounts for an encroachment of religious values in public institutions. | https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newslondon/france-to-sue-teenager-for-falsely-accusing-teacher-of-hitting-her-in-row-over-headscarf/ar-BB1kGqgQ?ocid=msedgntp&pc=DCTS&cvid=14b047d7772f439d9d96b4afe778a193&ei=11 |
Has Europe abandoned its Christian roots? | 19/04/2024 | La Croix | This article discusses the political debates over Europe's Christian roots. The most recent controversy occurred in December 2021 when the European Commission urged citizens to use a more inclusive phrase than "Happy Christmas." | https://international.la-croix.com/ethics/has-europe-abandoned-its-christian-roots |
Amit Shah says there is no need to remove 'secular' from Constitution | 19/04/2024 | India Today | This article explains Amit Shah's recent statement that there is no need to remove the word 'secular' from the Indian Constitution. According to Shah, the BJP's goal is to make the country secular, which is why they are advocating for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). | https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/amit-shah-says-there-is-no-need-to-remove-secular-from-constitution-2529451-2024-04-19 |
Birbalsingh is right: make schools secular | 18/04/2024 | The Sunday Times | This article argues that selecting children based on their faith should be banned, along with prayer. The practice creates a divide among students of different religions, negatively impacting social cohesion. Schools must be inclusive to promote a more cohesive society and uphold secular tenets. | https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/birbalsingh-is-right-make-schools-secular-kxpll69bj |
Michaela school will keep its prayer ban – but as a Muslim teacher I know it doesn’t have to be this way | 17/04/2024 | The Guardian | This article discusses a high court case in which a Muslim student at Michaela community school in Brent, London, lost a challenge to the school's ban on prayer rituals. The school declares itself secular, and the appeal was dismissed on the grounds that the student accepted these restrictions when enrolling. However, the article questions why schools like Michaela are so aggressively secular, particularly when 50% of the children are Muslim/ | https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/16/michaela-school-prayer-ban-muslim-teacher-religion |
Death of Secularism | 16/04/2024 | Sri Lanka Guardian | This article discusses Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's affiliation with a Hindu-supremacist organization called Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), which is concerned with the lack of secular values being respected by the government. Citizens are concerned about the government's disregard for secular values and aim to establish a party and leader with Hindu supremacist ideologies to rebuild a golden Hindu civilization. | https://slguardian.org/death-of-secularism/ |
Secularism, Friendship and Boundaries...! | 15/04/2024 | Indian Currents | This article discusses the importance of understanding each other's beliefs and boundaries in a secular society. It reflects the pressing concern that Indian secularism represents unity in the face of external threats and religious tension between Islam and Hinduism. | http://PDF available |
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