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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Church leaders speak up after French school supervising body fires principal of Catholic school | 18/10/2024 | Boston Pilot | This article explores the debate on the freedom of Catholic education in France, prompted by the dismissal of a Catholic school principal due to a breach of secular law. Many critics perceive this as a potential form of suppression. |
French schools refuse dozens of Muslim girls to wear the veil | 18/10/2024 | Telegrafi | This article examines the implementation of secular laws in French schools, which prohibit the public display of religious affiliation within educational environments. Consequently, some Muslim students have faced denials of entry to schools for their refusal to remove their religious attire. |
Badruddin Ajmal claims Parliament building made on Waqf property, slammed by BJP | 17/10/2024 | Hindustan Times | This article explores the discourse surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill. According to the Indian Muslim community, Parliament and the national capital should not interfere with Waqf properties. Despite the growing trend towards secularism, they argue that these properties should be used for the betterment of the community. |
The Congress Party Is Just as Bad at Protecting India's Muslims | 16/10/2024 | MSN | This article delves into the concerns and debates regarding the safeguarding of the rights of India's Muslim community in light of increasing incidents of anti-Muslim violence. |
Teaching in France after the murders of Samuel Paty and Dominique Bernard | 15/10/2024 | Le Monde | This article describes the societal tensions resulting from the escalation of violence in French schools following the unfortunate passing of two French teachers who promoted the importance of secular values. |
Bilingual Quebec communities lose bid to suspend Bill 96 rules | 15/10/2024 | Montreal Gazette | The article discusses the decision of Quebec's Superior Court to reject a temporary injunction on the suspension of Bill 96 rules for bilingual Quebec communities. Concerns have been raised by members of these communities regarding the increasing influence of the French language in light of secularism values. |
France's Education Ministry reports drop in breaches of secularism rules | 14/10/2024 | RFI | This article discusses the French Education Ministry's response to a decline in students adhering to secularism rules. It is calling for new training sessions for teachers to better educate students on the secular law. |
Iran: New Hijab Law Adds Restrictions and Punishments | 14/10/2024 | HRW News | The article describes the debate surrounding the recent implementation of the Islamic dress code law in Iran and its impact on emphasizing Islamic values through increased regulations. |
Durga and the Bangali identity crisis | 12/10/2024 | The Daily Star | This article explores the complex relationship between secularism and religion in the context of Bangladesh. |
Fears over Malaysia’s secularism as cabinet pushes bill to boost muftis’ power | 11/10/2024 | South China Morning Post | This article explores the debate surrounding Malaysia's proposed bill to grant Islamic leaders the power to issue legally binding rulings without parliamentary oversight, amidst the evolving secular values embraced by citizens. |
Extended mandate for the committee on constitutional issues, “considering the magnitude of the task | 10/10/2024 | Actual News Magazine | This article provides an analysis of the constitutional issues that have emerged in response to the debate on the secular law, Bill 21. |
Official behind religious repression makes comeback with governorship | 10/10/2024 | Iran International | This article provides an analysis of the increasing limitations on religious freedom in Iran. |
Pope says Church must ‘confront forms of paganism’ in secularism | 09/10/2024 | Crux | The article discusses the Pope's assertion that the Church needs to address various aspects of paganism within secularism in order to effectively demonstrate their faith and service. |
Oklahoma Board Asks Supreme Court To Further Dismantle Wall Between Church And School | 09/10/2024 | Forbes | This article explores the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board's efforts to challenge the Supreme Court's ruling that rejected public funding for a religious school. |
Tamil Nandu, where secularism is set in stone | 08/10/2024 | Times of India | This article explores the increasing influence of secularism in the southern districts of Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. |
‘It’s common knowledge teachers lie about their faith’: Is religion a barrier to getting a job as a primary teacher? | 08/10/2024 | The Irish Times | This article addresses the complexities of working within the education system, as many teachers argue that religion poses a significant challenge. |
“We continue to carefully monitor religious freedom situation in every country” | 07/10/2024 | The Print | This article explores the United States Department of State's ongoing monitoring of religious freedom's impact in all countries. |
Culture and citizenship: A look at the new course taught in Quebec schools | 06/10/2024 | Montreal Gazette | This article analyzes the new Quebec culture and citizenship course, providing students with knowledge of secularism. |
Karnataka Waqf Board to establish women’s colleges across all districts | 06/10/2024 | Siasat | This article explores the debate surrounding the Karnataka Waqf Board's proposal to establish women's colleges across districts in India. The proposal aims to facilitate the integration of Muslim girls into educational environments while respecting their Islamic dress code. |
Bangladesh’s interim Govt’s crackdown on secularists | 05/10/2024 | The Pioneer | This article examines the recent controversy over the arrest of Shariar Kabir, who continues to fight for secularism. Critics argue that the government is resistant to promoting secularism and is maintaining a solid stance on Islamic fundamentalism. |
I am an unapologetic Sanatani Hindu, declares Pawan Kalyan amid Tirupati laddu prasadam row | 04/10/2024 | Times of India | This article examines the increasing tension in Indian politics regarding the conflict between secularism and Hinduism. |
How secular is India? | 04/10/2024 | Daily Pioneer | This article explores the impact of secularism in India in the context of its diverse religious beliefs and pluralism. |
Kosovo At The Center Of Europe's Ongoing Hijab Debate | 03/10/2024 | Kosovo | This article explores the ongoing debate about the wearing of Islamic headscarves in educational settings, particularly in light of the increasing influence of secularism in public spheres. In Kosovo, local education authorities have implemented a ban on religious attire. |
Violence in French school sparks debate on headscarf and secularism | 03/10/2024 | EuroNews | This article examines the increasing and alarming attacks in French schools related to the debate over religious neutrality and the Islamic headscarf. |
History of state control over Hindu temples in Bharat | 02/10/2024 | Organiser | This article delves into the ongoing debate about the government's control of Hindu temples and its impact on religious affairs. |
Colloquium on religious freedom held | 01/10/2024 | The Hindu | This article delves into the controversy surrounding the systemic structure of religious freedom in India and its progression as a secular nation. |
Whether it is temple or dargah…': Supreme Court on bulldozer action | 01/10/2024 | MSN | This article discusses the recent decision by the Indian Supreme Court, which reasserts India's secular stance by reinstating that the regulations regarding religious structures will be uniformly applied to all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliation, as part of the anti-encroachment drive. |
Anvar accuses CM Pinarayi of undermining Kerala's secularism by aligning with RSS | 30/09/2024 | ON Manorama | This article compares Kerala approach to secularism comparing it other parts of India. |
India Without Secularism: A Confrontational Combative State | 29/09/2024 | Free Press Journal | This article explains how Indian secularism remains a contested and controversial subject amongst decision makers in the country. |
People’s Aspirations to Shape Kashmir’s Political Landscape | 29/09/2024 | Brighter Kashmir | This article discusses the importance of the new leaders in Kashmir prioritizing governance that serves the best interests of the Kashmiri people while also taking into account the principles of secularism. It stresses the significance of upholding secular values, respecting all religious beliefs, and actively working towards the improvement of the region to promote a positive political influence in Kashmir. |
Tufts Federalist Society hosts debate over whether America was founded as a secular nation | 28/09/2024 | Tufts Daily | This article examines the historical context of secularism and its influence in the United States of America. |
In India, the end of separation of powers and secularism | 27/09/2024 | Le Monde | This article examines how many speculate the end of secularism and separatist powers in India after PM Modi was shown participating in public religious ceremonies. |
Tripura’s Minority Muslims to Teach Secularism to Bangladesh’s Majority Muslims: Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarman | 26/09/2024 | Northeast Today | This article examines how many religious groups in Bangladesh including Muslims are advocating for the adoption of secularism. |
Crossing the secular line | 25/09/2024 | Telangnat Today | This article criticizes RN Ravi for stating his personal opinions on secularism irrespective of the Government's stance and the Indian Constitution. |
Secularism a European Concept, Not Needed in India: Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi | 24/09/2024 | The Hindustan Gate | The article discusses the significant resistance to secularism in India as expressed by the Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi.. |
Tirumala laddu row: Secularism is a two-way concept, says A.P. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan | 24/09/2024 | The Hindu | This article examines how secularism is being introduced as a two way concept in India. Deputy CM Kaylan is advocating for secularism to be understood broadly. |
Bangladesh allows women soldiers to wear hijab | 23/09/2024 | Anadolu Ajansı | This article reports that the Bangladesh army has allowed women soldiers to wear hijab with their official uniforms. The decision was made in principle on September 3, and a policy is being formulated for wearing a hijab. The wearing of hijabs was initially not prohibited or restricted, and this choice is consistent with the secular framework established in Bangladesh's legal system. |
Pezeshkian between a rock and a hard place over hijab | 22/09/2024 | Iran International | This article describes the contested decision that Iran's president is currently dealing with regarding the potential enforcement of a new hijab law. The law entails stringent regulations and penalties for non-compliance by women and has implications for Iran's longstanding secularist stance. |
Those in power should tolerate criticism: Nitin Gadkari | 21/09/2024 | The Hindu | This article examines how many decision makers and politicians are debating the influence of Indian secularism and its interpretation. |
Future of English schools on the ballot for Nov. 3 elections | 20/09/2024 | Montreal Gazette | This article outlines Premier Legault's initiative to abolish nine provincial English school boards as part of efforts to promote secularism. The decision concerning the future of the English boards is scheduled for November 3, leading to heightened tensions between the English and French school boards and their respective mandates. This decision has the potential to significantly impact the administrative processes and the rights of the anglophone community to oversee and govern its schools. |
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