Should Religious Symbols Be Allowed in Public Institutions?

[Urvashi]

Secular policies in the West often restrict religious displays in public spaces. Does this uphold fairness, or does it discriminate against religious expression? Should religious freedom extend to government workplaces and schools?

 

[Nomad]

If you are allowing religious symbols of one particular religion, there is no way you can reject symbols of another religion, if you are trying to build egalitarian society. For instance, if you are allowing cross, you cannot deny turban or head scarf used by other religious communities.

 

[Fidelia]

For a society with multiple religions, it would easily be chaotic if religion is allowed in public places. It can work for a place that has homogeneous religious beliefs and ideology. But it shouldn't be allowed for places with religious diversity.

 

[Ravenfreak]

Well if they allow one specific religious symbol to be placed in a public place, all symbols should be allowed as well. I know that wouldn't fly here in the United States, you'd get Christians throwing fits if they seen Pagan symbols or Satanic symbols which wouldn't be fair to those who practice those religions.

 

[Lolita]

I believe religious symbols in public institutions should be limited to maintain neutrality. For example, schools showing one religion’s symbols might alienate others. Respecting diversity means creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their beliefs.

 

[Niyi Briggs]

If the public place is owned by an individual, and he has the symbols of his religion there, it is fine. But for government owned public spaces, religious symbols should never be found there.