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Secularism Media Scan
This webpage offers a database of English-language news stories about secularism, beginning in January 2023. Users can search by date, country of origin, or topic. Top stories are featured at the top of the page.
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03 February 2026
Quebec minister Drainville is consultating on the province's new secularism bill 9 at the National Assembly. The new secularism bill strengthens secularism in the education system and public services.
By CBC News
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All News
Title | Date | Journal | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
Bengal Minister takes ‘secular’ vow after saying Muslims will become majority | 15/12/2024 | The Hindu | This article explains how the Bengladesh Minister, Firhad Hakim, reaffirms the country's secular mandate in light of opposition from religious Muslim groups. |
Pope Francis calls for unity and 'dynamic' secularism in first visit to Corsica | 15/12/2024 | France 24 | This article examines how Pope Francis is calling for unity urging local priests to avoid political divisions and France's secular influence. |
Forces inimical to secularism in office, says DMK; BJP protests | 14/12/2024 | The Times of India | This article explores the ongoing discourse regarding secularism as reflected in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. A significant aspect of this debate involves Articles 15, 26, and 28, which explicitly prohibit discrimination based on religion. This brings to the forefront the complexities surrounding the two-nation theory. |
Congress introduced one-way secularism in country: BJP’s Tejasvi Surya in LS | 14/12/2024 | Indian Express | This article explores the debate surrounding "one-way secularism" in India, where both secularism and pluralism are often overlooked in the socio-political landscape. |
Quebec Premier Aims to Ban Public Prayers | 14/12/2024 | MSN | This article examines the debate over the visibility of religious practices in public spaces in light of the recent Quebec government's plan to restrict public prayer. |
Quebec considers banning public prayers | 13/12/2024 | La Croix International | This article explores the increasing challenges to secularism in educational environments, which have led to the recent initiative by Quebec Premier François Legault to prohibit prayers in public spaces. This proposal has drawn considerable opposition, with critics arguing that it may infringe upon individuals' religious freedoms. |
On secularism, there is no going ‘back to the future’ | 12/12/2024 | Hindustan Times | This article addresses the discourse surrounding secularism in the context of the increasing number of non-Muslim immigrants seeking refuge from religious persecution. |
Explainer: Places of Worship Act — key test of secularism in top court | 12/12/2024 | The Tribune | This article discusses the initiation of hearings by a three-judge Special Bench regarding the challenge to the validity of the Places of Worship Act. This examination is set against the backdrop of ongoing disputes concerning religious sites in India. |
Quebec investigates 3 Montreal schools for religious concerns | 11/12/2024 | CityNews | This article discusses the ongoing investigation of three French schools in Montreal. The investigation centers on audits conducted in response to concerns related to religious practices and allegations of abuse associated with these practices. |
Quebec to investigate three schools over toxic climate allegations | 11/12/2024 | Global News | This article addresses the ongoing investigations of three French-language schools in Montreal. These inquiries have been prompted by recent audits that examined the quality of services provided and the adherence to secular laws within the educational institutions. |
Islamists in Bangladesh attack secularism, Bengali culture | 10/12/2024 | Economic Times | This article explores the challenges to secularism in Bangladesh and analyzes the evolving socio-political landscape within the country. |
Secularism in Morocco: Multiple Views, Timid Consensus | 10/12/2024 | Morocco World News | This article discusses Moroccan secularism as a unique model where religious freedom and pluralism coexist harmoniously with the nation's Islamic identity. |
Bangladesh and the Burial of Secularism | 09/12/2024 | The Times Now | This article examines the tension between Muslim and Hindu citizens in Bangladesh regarding the increasing emphasis on secularism, particularly in the context of the state's alignment with Islamic principles. |
Quebec premier says he wants to stop people from praying in public | 08/12/2024 | CBC News | This article examines how Premier François Legault is planning to utilize the notwitstanding clause to prohibit banning praying in public. |
Quebec will table legislation beefing up secularism rules: Drainville | 07/12/2024 | The Gazette | This article analyzes proposed changes to secularism laws to strengthen secularism in Quebec. |
Quebec premier proposes public prayer ban, citing secularism concerns in Canada | 07/12/2024 | Anadolu Ajansi | This article analyzes the announcement made by Premier Francois Legault regarding his proposal to prohibit public prayer in Quebec. The Premier has articulated concerns that such religious practices may be at odds with Canada's secular values. This initiative underscores the ongoing discourse surrounding the role of religion in public spheres and aims to strengthen the principles of secularism within Quebec society. |
Quebec promises new legislation to strengthen secularism in schools, may ban prayer in public spaces | 06/12/2024 | CityNews | This article discusses Premier François Legault's intentions to introduce new legislation designed to reinforce secularism within educational institutions. It also explores the potential extension of this legislation to prohibit prayers in public spaces. |
Secularism under siege in the Bangladesh churn | 05/12/2024 | Hindustan Times | This article analyzes the religious tensions in Bangladesh amidst the rise of secularism. Numerous anti-India protests are being organized, demanding a return to a secular government. |
Morocco's Islamic affairs minister backtracks on describing the state as 'secular' | 05/12/2024 | The New Arab | This article discusses Morocco's Minister of Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, who faced backlash from the Islamist opposition after referring to the kingdom as a "secular state." The controversy erupted following Toufiq's comments in the Moroccan parliament regarding a meeting with French interior minister Bruno Retailleau during President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Morocco in October. In response to the criticism, Toufiq later retracted his statement about secularism. |
Kerala Muslim Jamaat condemns claims on centuries-old places of worship | 04/12/2024 | The Hindu | This article examines the ongoing debate regarding claims to historically significant places of worship, including the Shamsi Shahi Masjid in Badaun, the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The discussion evaluates these claims to safeguard secularism and the relevance of the Places of Worship Act. |
Toufiq Responds to Benkirane: Political Parties, Including PJD, Draw from Secular Western Systems | 03/12/2024 | Morocco World News | This article provides an analysis of the address delivered by Morocco's Minister of Islamic Affairs, which focused on the concept of secularism. The Minister articulated that secularism is fundamentally derived from Western systems, a notion that has provoked notable opposition among the Moroccan populace. |
Mosques Under Siege: Are ‘Respectable Hindus’ Willing to Be Held to Account? | 03/12/2024 | The Wire | This article examines the Hindu-Muslim tensions arising from recent judicial decisions that impact the religious identity of the places of worship associated with Khwaja Moinuddin. |
What does Bangladesh’s constitution state about religious freedom? | 02/12/2024 | The Hindu | This article examines the increasing concerns about religious freedom and secularism in Bangladesh. The controversy surrounding the desecration of Hindu temples has raised questions regarding minority rights and secular values. |
Benkirane: Morocco is an Islamic Country, Not Secular | 02/12/2024 | Morocco World News | This article explores the controversy surrounding comments made by Morocco's Minister of Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, regarding Morocco's status as a secular country. |
Rajasthan Cabinet approves Anti-Conversion bill against forced conversions | 01/12/2024 | Buisness Standard | This article discusses the Rajasthan Cabinet's approval of the Anti-Conversion Bill aimed at preventing forced religious conversions. |
Separation of church and state? Religion in public schools is being tested by Christian conservatives | 01/12/2024 | NBC News | This article analyzes the role of religion in public schools in Texas. Education officials have introduced an optional Bible-based curriculum in elementary schools to reintroduce religious materials for students. |
Freedom Oppression: Women’s Struggle and Movement from France to Iran | 30/11/2024 | Modern Diplomacy | This article examines the struggle for women's movement in Iran and how many are contesting the hijab mandates. |
Foundation of secularism being shaken in India | 29/11/2024 | The Hindu | This article explains concerns regarding the foundation of secularism being shaken after former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud led searches in Indian mosques. |
Notre-Dame reopening shows France’s bizarre religious contradiction | 29/11/2024 | The Connexion | This article criticizes the recent decision to reopen Notre-Dame despite the secular values in France. |
India’s basic constitutional values need eternal vigilance | 29/11/2024 | MSN | This article addresses the concerns regarding the preservation of constitutional and secular values in India, highlighting the criticisms surrounding the misuse of secularism. |
Mamata emphasises Constitution’s secular identity: ‘Together, united’ | 28/11/2024 | The Indian News Express | This article analyzes the remarks made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, regarding the Constitution, highlighting her emphasis on the secular identity of India. |
Waqf Bill anti-secular, will snatch rights of Muslims: Mamata | 28/11/2024 | Deccan Chronicle | This article examines the debate over the Waqf Bill and rights of minorities in India. Many have criticized the Bill to be anti-secular and anti-federal. |
Minister Sparks Debate, Controversy with Remarks on Moroccan Secularism | 27/11/2024 | Morocco World News | This article discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding the comments made by the Minister of Islamic Affairs concerning Moroccan secularism. It underscores the significant divide of opinions on this matter, illustrating both the support for and opposition to the Minister's perspective. |
Why Supreme Court Refused To Delete 'Secularism' & 'Socialism' From Preamble | 26/11/2024 | ABP Live | This article views how the Supreme Court of India found no legitimate cause or justification for challenging the constitutional amendments to remove secularism and socialism from the its preamble. |
State can interfere with religious practices if they impede development, equality rights: SC | 25/11/2024 | The Economic Times | This article examines the controversy over the developping religious practices in India. Many have argued that the secular nature of the state has not prevented the elimination of attitudes and practices in connection with religion. |
No place for Waqf Law in Constitution’: PM Modi sparks debate over religious trusts | 25/11/2024 | Muslim Mirror | This article explains the controversy on the Waqf Law and Prime Minister Modi's statements on religious trusts. |
Modi attacks Cong over Waqf, politics of appeasemen | 24/11/2024 | The Tribune | This article examines Prime Minister Modi's challenge to Congress' decision regarding the Waqf Law, arguing that it undermines secularism. |
Iran: Overcoming The Regime’s Obsession With Hijab | 23/11/2024 | EA Worldview | This article examines the controversy over the mandatory hijab in Iran. It stems from the newly clinics for women who will not abide by the mandatory Islamic veil. |
Hindu unity,”threat” to secularism? | 22/11/2024 | Daily Excelsior | This article examines how Hinduism is being perceived as a threat to Indian secularism with the rise of political and religious leadership. |
United Nations resolution rebukes Iran’s government for systemic and escalating persecution of Baha’is and all Iranians—and calls for urgent change | 21/11/2024 | Iran Press Watch | This article examines the United Nations' proposed resolution over Iran's government systemic and mandatory hijab dress code. |
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