Why 'questioning secularism' destroys religious freedom

The existence of religious conservatism in our society is certainly not specific to Islam. What is of concern is that while support for Christian conservatism is generally associated with the political right in Australia, support for Islamic conservatism often comes, perversely, from a left acting in the name of some misplaced white guilt.

Not only does this deny a voice to Muslims who are fighting such conservatism, but it also leaves the terrain free to right wing politicians and media commentators who are always eager to find yet more reasons to deem “Islam” incompatible with modern secular democracy and its institutions.

The legitimate combat against racism experienced by Australian ethnic Muslims is not served by remaining silent on gay-bashing by Islamic ultra-conservatives or their attempts to theocratise public education and other public and community institutions.

It is high time that we collectively reaffirm the values of secularism as the only true guarantor of freedom of religion and of conscience, of intellectual freedom in our public education institutions and of the respect of the human and civil rights of all, in a country that would like to pride itself anew, in a post-Howard era, as an exemplar of a healthy, multicultural democracy.

*To whom it may concern 

I am writing to address incorrect information posted to your website in May 2008 and to ask that a correction be posted. 

In “Why ‘questioning secularism’ destroys religious freedom” Dr Bronwyn Winter makes statements about Hanan Dover, including that “…Dover was suspended in 2002 from her post as lecturer in psychology at UWS because of her homophobic views and practices”, and “Ms Dover was suspended under the University’s Equal Opportunity policy.”  This is not the case. 

“Suspension is an extreme measure,” states Dr Winter quite rightly.  Suspension can cause irreparable damage to a reputation and slow - even halt - a career. Incorrect rumours of suspension can also cause such damage. Suspension was not a measure used in addressing the issues that arose from the talk given by Keysar Trad and Ms Dover. Ms Dover cooperated with me as I sought to firstly clarify the nature of the talks and then to address some concerns that had been raised with me. After a thorough review, the University of Western Sydney addressed and resolved those issues in accordance with its policy. 

Ms Dover is a well known and valued community representative, and is a mental health professional. As a community representative who chooses to wear hijab, she provides a positive example to many Muslim women as a woman engaged with her communities: social, religious, professional, educational. She has made many contributions to the community and within UWS. She is an excellent contributor to the University’s Muslim Harmony Group which I have chaired over a few years.