Role of Secularism in Democracy

Abstract

When looking back at history we see ample evidence that freedom of religion or belief is neither the first nor the only historical project aimed at eliminating discrimination, religious intolerance, and hostility against religious minorities or religiously motivated violence. However, I would claim it is a very specific project particularly suitable for the modern world and its inherent pluralism. In order to highlight the specific features of freedom of religion or belief as an internationally binding human right, it may be useful to briefly compare it with other attempts to overcome manifestations of religious intolerance.