Secularity of public institutions

What it is: Secular humanism usually defends secular and non-confessional public institutions.

How the position understands it: Laws and policies must be justified by public reasons accessible to all, without structural privilege of one religion.

Basis and context: The theme appears in modern constitutionalism, civil rights, and critique of state confessionalisms.

Debates and variations: There are more rigid or more cooperative models of secularism, provided they preserve civic equality.

Supportive

Amsterdam Declaration 2002

secular-humanism,declaration,amsterdam,international

An important international declaration of contemporary humanism.

Reference: Amsterdam Declaration 2002.
Content: The declaration defines humanism as an ethical, democratic, and non-theistic response to shared human life.
Use in debate: It is an important synthesis for pluralism, freedom of conscience, and human responsibility.

Humanist Manifesto II (1973)

secular-humanism,manifesto,human-rights,1973

An expansion of the humanist project in a global and ethical key.

Reference: Humanist Manifesto II (1973).
Content: The text emphasizes human rights, democracy, sexual freedom, peace, science, and global responsibility.
Use in debate: It is central for themes of dignity, secular ethics, and pluralism.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 18

secular-humanism,freedom-of-conscience,human-rights,pluralism

The legal basis for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Reference: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 18.
Content: The text protects freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to change one's convictions.
Use in debate: It is central for freedom of conscience and pluralism.