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The Passionate Subject of Religious Liberty Essay

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The concept of religious liberty is at the core of global attention in recent times in the light of religious extremities in different aspects of national existence. The subject of religious liberty is a particularly touchy and sensitive issue as it evokes passion, devotion and unbridled allegiance amongst adherents of various religious beliefs. Although an aspect of the broad concept of human liberties and equality, it is a subject which commands special attention as religious tenets play a vital role in defining certain liberties and equalities in various societies.
Gender inequality for instance is an integral part of certain religious beliefs which subjugate females to less commanding roles subservient to men. Furthermore, sexual …show more content…

For instance, the trend towards criminalization of homosexuality in most African countries is predicated on the prohibition of such sexual orientation and practice by Christianity and Islamic religions.
Regardless of which ideology a state adopts, a common issue which arises is the protection of religious liberty of the people of the state. Religious liberty simply means the freedom of citizens to practice their chosen religion without fear, harassment, or suppression either by virtue of state policy or as a result of religious intolerance by fellow citizens or groups. Religious intolerance is a constant problem in most countries of the world today as adherents of various religious beliefs attempt to suppress adherents of other religious under the misguided belief of the superiority of their religious belief over others. Such religious ‘Nazism’ based on misguided claims to superiority of particular religions have wreaked havoc in places such as the Balkans where genocide was committed on religious basis and even the Hindu-Islamic strife in India and Myanmar have deep rooted religious colorations arising from religious intolerance by adherents of different religious beliefs.
In non-secular states, religious liberties of citizens are restricted and curtailed in favour of the state religion adopted. In such states, the struggle for religious liberty is a constant battle

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