Secularism
Introduction
Humanists Australia values the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and recognises the fundamental importance of human flourishing within a just and equitable society. In pursuit of these principles, we advocate for the following:
the separation of the state from religious institutions,
public policy that is grounded in reason, evidence and universal ethical values, and
fostering a society where all can flourish, whether they are religious or non-religious.
What is Secularism?
The word ‘secularism’ has been used in different ways by different authors. Humanists Australia adopts the definition provided by Andrew Copson in his book on the topic, as the following three parts:
separation of religious institutions from the institutions of the state and no domination of the political sphere by religious institutions;
freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for all, with everyone free to change their beliefs and manifest their beliefs within the limits of public order and the rights of others;
no state discrimination against anyone on the grounds of their religion or non-religious world view, with everyone receiving equal treatment on these grounds.
[Secularism: A Very Short Introduction by Andrew Copson, Oxford University Press, 2019]
Secularism is not an attack on religion; rather, it is a safeguard for religious freedom and pluralism. A secular government respects the autonomy of individuals to hold diverse beliefs, whether religious, non-religious, or otherwise, without imposing any particular worldview on others. It fosters an environment where individuals are free to express their beliefs or non-beliefs without fear of discrimination or coercion, as long as they harm no other.
How does Humanists Australia view Secularism?
Humanists Australia values a secular society that promotes social cohesion and harmony by prioritising common humanity over sectarian divides. It creates a level playing field where all citizens, regardless of their religious or philosophical affiliations, have equal rights and opportunities under the law. By separating religious institutions from governmental power, secularism helps prevent the misuse of religion to justify discrimination, oppression or violence.
Furthermore, secular governance enables evidence-based policymaking, ensuring that decisions affecting public health, education and other critical areas are guided by scientific understanding and ethical considerations. It fosters critical thinking, tolerance and empathy, encouraging citizens to engage in reasoned dialogue and cooperation across ideological differences for the betterment of society.
Considering these principles, we advocate for the following:
Public Policy Recommendations
Freedom of Religion: Safeguard the rights of individuals to practise their religion or philosophical beliefs freely (as long as they do no harm to others), while also protecting individuals from religious coercion or discrimination. Denounce religious discrimination, while affirming the rights of all individuals regardless of their beliefs. Divisive barriers erected by religious prejudice have no place in a cohesive secular society.
Freedom from Religion: Defend the fundamental right of every individual to be religious or not. Individuals are free to live their lives with their chosen worldview without discrimination based on religious beliefs. Uphold the right of individuals to live their lives without being subject to religious coercion or interference.
Separation of Religion and State: Uphold and strengthen the constitutional principle of secularism, ensuring that government institutions remain neutral in matters of religion and refrain from endorsing or favouring any particular faith tradition. Oppose attempts by any religious lobby groups, whether Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Sikh, or from any other fundamentalist or religious background, to gain favouritism for their religion, including through agendas such as the Seven Mountains Mandate or similar strategies within their respective traditions.
Inclusive Public Spaces: Ensure that public spaces and institutions, including schools, courthouses and government buildings, are welcoming and inclusive of individuals from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds. Remove or replace formal opening prayers with inclusive silent reflection in opening ceremonies of parliaments and councils. Remove prayers altogether from ordinary meetings of parliaments and councils.
Evidence-Based Policy: Base public policy decisions on empirical evidence, scientific research and universal ethical principles. Ensure that government statistics, such as the census, collect information on religious status in an unbiased way.
Promotion of Critical Thinking: Support education initiatives that promote critical thinking skills, scientific literacy and respectful dialogue about religious and philosophical differences.
Promotion of Interbelief Cooperation: Support forums for interfaith dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding, including representatives from non-religious worldviews such as Humanism.
Public Funding Recommendations
Ensure that all publicly funded services:
are available to people irrespective of their worldviews,
are not limited by religious prohibitions or exemptions (such as denial of services related to abortion or contraception, or the right to practise other forms of discrimination),
do not require participation in religious ceremonies or observances, and
are open to providers irrespective of the providers’ worldviews.
Support a rebalancing of public funding of education towards public schools with the objectives of addressing disadvantage and inequitable outcomes.
Oppose “advancement of religion” as a criterion for attainment of Charity status.
Ensure churches and other religious organisations pay the same council rates and taxes as other businesses.
Religious Practices
Humanists Australia recognises that there is tension between Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Religion. While individuals should be free to practise their beliefs as long as they do no harm to others, we are opposed to practices that cause physical or emotional harm to members outside or within a religious community. Such practices include, but are not limited to:
sectarian violence,
withholding medical treatment,
gay “conversion therapy”,
genital mutilation,
child marriage,
coercive control, and
shunning.
Humanists Australia supports the right to make statements that may offend religious sentiments as long as they do not vilify religious individuals or incite violence against them.
In Summary
Humanists Australia believes that secularism is essential for fostering a society that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their religious or philosophical beliefs. By upholding secular values, we can build a more just, compassionate and inclusive world for present and future generations.
