This week's Newsline again illustrates the divisions created when religion and politics are mixed. In setting out his case for the public funding of more Catholic schools, the head of the Catholic Education Service, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, has expressed his keenness for children to be segregated along religion lines. Meanwhile, new rules in the Irish parliament means members will be required to stand during prayer. The move has led at least one Irish politician, Ruth Coppinger TD, to declare "We have to separate State and Church". We quite agree. Where religion divides, secularism can unite. Whilst everyone should be free to worship and observe their faith within the law, the value of keeping religion separate from the power of the state should be obvious to everyone. We have our sights set on the separation of religion and state. We campaign tirelessly to ensure equal respect for everyone's human rights so that no one is either advantaged or disadvantaged because of their beliefs. If you're not a member of the NSS, please join today and help us to promote a secular, fairer, Britain. If you are a member, please make a donation to help us do to more to challenge religious privilege.
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News | Fri, 05 May 2017
Former MP Graham Allen has accused the Government of launching a "misleading" consultation to delay action against caste discrimination "for ever". |
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News | Thu, 04 May 2017
Archbishop Malcolm McMahon has said that Catholic schools "are different" and "for the Catholic community", despite their being funded by all taxpayers. |
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News | Wed, 03 May 2017
A large-scale survey of views in Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine has reported extensive anti-women views and widespread tolerance of domestic violence. |
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News | Wed, 03 May 2017
The Irish parliament has approve a requirement mandating TDs remain standing during the prayers that open each Dáil sitting. |
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News | Tue, 02 May 2017
Dozens of speakers are confirmed to address the upcoming 'Free Expression & Conscience' conference, including many honorary associates of the National Secular Society. |
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News | Fri, 28 Apr 2017
A Saudi trial based "heavily on Koranic law" has resulted in a death sentence for a 'mentally ill' man who denounced the Islamic 'prophet' Mohammed. |
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News | Thu, 04 May 2017
The New Zealand Secular Education Network (SEN) has mounted a challenge over "religious bias" in the way the country's schools teach about religion. |
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'Religious freedom' campaigners have expressed disappointment with Trump's executive order on 'Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty', as the American Civil Liberties Union dismiss it as "an elaborate photo-op with no discernible policy outcome."
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Quotes of the Week
"Public funds are being used to separate children by faith. What could be more damaging to integration? Faith schools are also segregating children by class. A quarter of faith primary schools have fewer disadvantage pupils than those of no faith. Faith schools are the antithesis of a secular society." Afua Hirschm, speaking on BBC Newsnight. "Political power doesn't give you the right to impose your beliefs on the electorate." Fionola Meredith, Belfast Telegraph.
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