Secularism – is it good or bad for freedom of religion or belief?

Secularism is the political doctrine defined by the idea of separation between religion and the state. In increasingly pluralistic societies, a number of models of secularism have emerged. Each model can lead to a robust legal protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief, but only if the state strives for neutrality and works to combat discrimination based on religion or belief. Fabio Petito, member of the OSCE/ODIHR Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief, explains.