Let me respond to each of the points made by Santosh: In a secular democracy with full rights and liberties, one ought to be free to do the following:
1. Voluntarily wear the burqa. I agree but presently the Islamic society is allowing only a one-sided propaganda which is what I strongly object to. Those who criticize the burqa must be allowed to air their views with the same freedom that those who support the burqa have. A woman may then decide for herself what is right and wrong for her. 2. Use loudspeakers with the permission of the local community and authorities. What I am opposed to is the persistent and day-to-day use of Loudspeakers by religious institutions which is hazardous to the health of the nearby residents and disturbs their Peace and tranquility. The right to live in peace is a fundamental right and the use of blaring loudspeakers directly violates this right. Concessions may however be given by the State to Religious Institutions on Festive occasions. 3. Impart religious education in private schools, not supported by tax payer or public funds. In my opinion, it is the fundamental duty of the State to ensure that every child receives modern scientific education and grows up learning concepts of freedom, liberty, equality and secularism. Religious education, which violates these cherished principles, must be disallowed. 4. Hold unscientific, irrational, absurd and/or weird beliefs, as long as they do not cause personal or public harm, or infringe on the rights, freedoms and privileges of others. I agree entirely. I am not proposing a ban on God and Religion :- ) 5. Peacefully oppose or complain about criticism by others of their religious views. I agree. It is the violence that I am opposed to and strongly condemn. 6. Criticize or peacefully oppose religion and religious views, or irreligiosity and irreligious views. I agree entirely. However, criticism of religion often ends up getting messy with the adherents of religion resorting to the politics of threats, intimidation and violence. This is my principal grouse against religion and its adherents. 7. Peacefully convert others to one's own religion or irreligiousness. I am ok with Conversion so long as it is not done by force, fraud or allurement. 8. Peacefully dissuade others from converting to a different religion or to irreligiousness. Yes, so long as this too is not done by force, fraud or allurement. Cheers, Sandeep
