Political secularism

Definition

Political secularism is the principle of separating religious institutions from state institutions and ensuring that public policies and practices are uninfluenced by religious doctrines. It advocates for a neutral governance system where religion does not dictate the legal and policy decisions of a country.

Related terms

Laïcité: A strict form of political secularism in France that excludes religious influence in government affairs and prohibits governmental involvement in religious matters.

Establishment Clause: A clause in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or unduly preferring one religion over another.

Secular Humanism: A philosophy or life stance that embraces human reason, ethics, social justice, and philosophical naturalism while specifically rejecting religious dogma as the basis of morality and decision-making