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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
No secular govt can be formed without PDP: Mehbooba Mufti | 20/09/2024 | Tribune India | This article explains the approach taken by the Peoples Democratic Party in India in addressing the challenge of forming a secular government. The party's President emphasized that their political party's support is crucial for the establishment of secularism within the government's administration. |
Hindu Sentiments Defiled | 19/09/2024 | News 18 | This article describes the call for stricter implementation of dietary restrictions in face of the increasing Indian secularist approach. |
Ganesh Chaturthi: where unity triumphs over communal divides | 18/09/2024 | Sabrang | The article emphasizes the unity between Hindus and Muslims during Ganesh Chaturthi in public spaces, despite the growing pursuit of Indian secularism. It highlights the unification of people from both religious communities in celebration, with mosques accommodating Ganesh idols and Muslims actively participating in Hindu prayers and festivities. |
Iran’s morality police will no longer ‘bother’ women over hijab, new president promises | 17/09/2024 | Independent | This article discusses how Iran's reformist president, Masoud Pezeshkian, announced during his first press conference that Iran's morality police will no longer harass women over the wearing of the mandatory hijab headscarf. This shift has influenced the political perspective on religion and secular values. |
Anti-secular forces crying out of frustration, says Thol Thirumavalavan | 17/09/2024 | DT Next | This article discusses the influence of anti-secular forces in Sri Lanka and how different political parties are addressing these challenges. |
Christians, Hindus, Buddhists seek secular state in Bangladesh in response to violence against them | 16/09/2024 | The Washington Times | This article discusses the ongoing demand for Bangladesh to be recognized as a secular state. Various religious groups, including Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists, are advocating for this to prevent religious oppression, as they believe the Muslim-led nation continues to enforce religious oppression. |
Ganesh idol setup in Telangana sparks row over 'Muslim-like' appearance | 16/09/2024 | Indian Today | This article discusses the tension between two religious communities in India over a Ganesh idol set up in a Ganpati festival. The controversy arose when certain members of the Muslim community stated that the deity represented characteritistics that were "Muslim-like". |
The extinction of free speech and religious freedom | 15/09/2024 | Spectator Australia | This article discusses the adoption of the Respect at Work and Other Matters Amendment Bill 2024 by the Miles Labor government. Many Australians have criticized the bill, arguing that it does not provide sufficient protection for religious freedom and free speech in Australia. |
Letter to Akal Takht: Former minorities’ panel chairman raises issue of turban ban in Canada’s Quebec | 15/09/2024 | Hindustan Times | This article explains how former MP of the National Commission of Minorities, Tarlochan Singh, is requesting a change in the religious symbol ban implemented through Quebec's secular law. He believes that the bans on turbans have imposed great barriers and highlights efforts from the United Kingdom to extend protection to Sikh symbols. |
Protests against hijab in school play | 15/09/2024 | Times of India | This article examines how the protests against the Islamic dress code, specially the hijab continue to occur in India. |
Trudeau accuses Legault of 'attacking' English Canadians to protect French | 15/09/2024 | Montreal Gazette | This article discusses the political tensions between the English and French communities in Quebec. Prime Minister Trudeau claimed that Premier Legault is exacerbating these tensions by enforcing regulations that restrict the use of languages other than French in the health care and social services network. |
Secularism And Modern Democracy | 14/09/2024 | Counter Currents | This article discusses the influence of secularism in Turkey following the rise of the Islamic government and its impact on democracy. |
Former Tehran mayor asks President Pezeshkian to reverse policies on hijab, internet | 14/09/2024 | Iran Front Page | This article examines how the former mayor of Tehran is advocating for the removal of mandatory hijab policies and the Islamic dress code in Iran. |
Quebec says Ottawa's anti-Islamophobia adviser must resign | 13/09/2024 | Montreal Gazette | This article discusses how Canada's Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, is urging Canadian universities to consider hiring more Muslim teachers. This has resulted in the Quebec government renewing its decision to call for Elghawaby to resign, as the hiring of professors based on their religion directly contradicts the principles of secularism and secular law. |
Quebec wants anti-Islamophobia adviser to resign after she calls for hiring more Muslim professors | 13/09/2024 | National Post | This article describes the recent opposition by Quebec's higher education minister to Amira Eghawaby's proposal to hire professors based on their religious affiliations. The opposition is rooted in asserting that such hiring criteria would contravene secular laws. |
Exploring the modern-day Hindu mindset of ‘Secularism good, all religions bad’ | 12/09/2024 | Hindu Post | This article discusses the influence of secularism and religion in India. Indian secularism encompasses Hindutva elements and a lack of understanding of Dharmic principles. |
It’s unconstitutional' | Controversial discussion surrounds proposed religious-infused curriculum for Texas public schools | 11/09/2024 | MSN News | This article examines the debate surrounding proposed religious-based curriculums for Texas public schools. The Texas Education Agency has put forward a new curriculum that incorporates biblical teachings and gives preference to Christianity over other religions. |
Progressive Thinkers urge Govt to Ban Religious Activities in Public Institutions | 10/09/2024 | News Karnataka | This article examines the demand for a stronger implementation of secularism in public places in India. These activists argue that religious activities, including worship and displays of religion, do not align with the concept of neutral and inclusive spaces. |
Challenges galore for ‘secular’ civil code | 10/09/2024 | The Tribune | This article explores the discussion surrounding India's secular Civil Code. After Prime Minister Modi's comments on the Communal Civil Code and its discriminatory nature, he emphasized that laws in the Code should not divide the nation based on religion, and advocated for a secular approach. |
Thinkers demand ban on religious activities in govt setup | 09/09/2024 | Deccan Herald | This article describes the opposition to the decision of Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan to hold religious festivities for Gowri-Ganesha, with many arguing that it goes against Indian secularism and its principles. |
Israel/Palestine in World Religions': Exploring secular, theological claims to the Holy Land | 09/09/2024 | The Jerusalem Post | This article explores the impact of religion and secularism in Israel. The conflicting claims between secular and religious groups have intensified since the war in Israel. |
Turkish president vows to 'purge' military graduates who took a pro-secular oath | 08/09/2024 | ABC News | This article explores Turkish President Erdogan's opposition to the pro-secular oath taken by military graduates. |
Islamic But Secular: These Muslim Majority Countries In The World Follow Inclusive Governance Model | 08/09/2024 | Zee News | This article examines how many Muslim countries follow a secular model despite the strong influence of Islam. Several Muslim communities have adopted a neutral approach, maintaining a separation between Islamic and civil law. |
Germany and Iran in tit-for-tat spat over Islamic center closure | 08/09/2024 | Nikkie Asia | This article examines Germany's request for sanctions against Iran and the Islamic Center in Hamburg due to concerns about spreading the ideology of the Islamic Revolution. These measures have sparked a debate on secularism. |
Thousands protest in France against Macron's choice of prime minister | 07/09/2024 | BD News | This article examines how ongoing protests are occuring in France over Prime Minister Macron appointment of a new minister for the New Popular Front Coalition. |
Don't use religion to stoke conflict' | 06/09/2024 | The Manilla Times | This article discusses the controversy surrounding Pope Francis and an Indonesian imam's utilization of religion in public spaces. |
Ajit Pawar: We wish to contest on 60 seats, no compromise on secular ideology | 06/09/2024 | The Indian Express | This article examines how the NCP chief Ajit Pawar remains dedicated to his commitment to secularism due to his alliance with the BJP party. |
Over 80% Indians want a PM who shares their religious views | 05/09/2024 | The Hindu | This article describes how many individuals in India are deamdning for a Prime Minister who reinforces religious views despite the growing secular move. |
Military school graduates’ secularist chants under investigation: defense ministry | 05/09/2024 | Turkish Minute | This article discusses the tensions surrounding secularism in light of the recent investigation by the Ministry of Defence into military officers who chanted a slogan referencing the secular founder of Turkey. |
Karnataka Hijab Ban: Award For Principal Who Barred Headscarf Put On Hold Amid Backlash | 05/09/2024 | MSN News | This article discusses the hijab ban in Karnataka. The principal who initiated the ban was set to receive an award, but faced opposition from many members of the Muslim community, resulting in a postponement of the ceremony. The incident reflects ongoing political tensions surrounding religion and Indian secularism. |
Salafism has influenced Islamic discourse for nearly a century' | 04/09/2024 | La Croix International | This article explores the relationship between Islam and secularism. The impact of Salafism on Muslim communities has begun to dominate secular discussions. |
International scholars and scientists recommit to combating Islamophobia | 03/09/2024 | Euroreporter | This article discusses the increasing prevalence of Islamophobia in Europe, with Austria reporting a rise in racism and intolerance. |
Amid rising UK far-right fury, dilemma deepens for Muslim students | 03/09/2024 | Geo TV | This article discusses the growing issue of Islamophobia in Europe. Austria has reported an increase in racism and intolerance. The article also explains how Muslims in the United Kingdom are protesting after a knife attack was falsely attributed to a "Muslim asylum seeker." Additionally, some groups in the United Kingdom are continuing to engage in discussions and debates about secular dialogue. |
Kyrgyzstan Proposes Amendment to Laws Regulating Religious Sphere | 03/09/2024 | The Times of Central Asia | This article describes how Kyrgyzstan's State Commission on Religious Affairs has proposed amendments to tighten control over the religious sphere. The amendments aim to ban the formation of political parties based on religion and prohibit political organizations from engaging in spiritual activities. |
Detrimental to the soul of Constitution: Former civil servants express concern on lifting RSS ban | 02/09/2024 | The Indian Express | This article examines how the Constitutional Conduct Group upholds secularism and minority rights. It emphasizes the crucial need to safeguard Indian secularism. |
New Quebec culture course sparks concerns over cultural representation | 02/09/2024 | CTV News | This article discusses the new Citizenship and Culture Quebec course and its impact on the educational system. Despite previous criticism and legal challenges, the EMSB has stated that religious culture will continue to be included in the curriculum. |
As millions leave organized religion, spiritual and secular communities offer refuge | 02/09/2024 | USA Today | This article explains how many individuals in America are seeking more spiritual and secular communities. The shift from organized religion represents how secularism continues influencing all life aspects. |
Iranian filmmaker and actress charged with defying hijab | 31/08/2024 | Iran International | This article examines the charges filed against an Iranian filmmaker and actress for resisting the mandatory hijab ban in Iran. Many are advocating for a secular state due to the controversy surrounding her arrest. |
Why are Islamist women at forefront of protests & conflicts? | 30/08/2024 | Hindu Post | This article examines the extent to which Muslim women are voicing their objections to the ban on wearing the hijab and abaya in educational settings in India. |
Who are the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, the country’s largest Islamist party? | 29/08/2024 | The Indian Express | This article describes an in-depth analysis of the recent decision to lift the ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh party, which had been disqualified from participating in elections in 2013 due to its stance against secularism. The reinstatement of the party reflects the intricate and ongoing struggle between religious influence and the principles of secularism within the political landscape of Bangladesh. |
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