Secular state issue being raised in a number of campaign meetings

The issue of Fiji to be a secular state is coming up again in a number of election campaign meetings although freedom of religion is guaranteed in the 2013 constitution.

Former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase who is now actively campaigning for the Social Democratic Liberal Party in a number of public meetings, has stressed that a SODELPA government will change the country’s constitution.

While speaking to about 40 people at the Nauluvatu Church Hall last night, Qarase claimed that the inclusion of Fiji to be a secular state in 2013 constitution means that it is a godless document.

Qarase told the people that the history of the first Christian missionaries which brings development such as education and health to the country is not included in the 2013 constitution.

He said this is part and parcel of Fiji to be a Christian state.

A question was raised by one of the members of the Nauluvatu community on what SODELPA will do with the 2013 constitution if they come into power.

Qarase said that changing the constitution will not be an easy task as they will need the support of 75% of the members of Parliament and 75% support of the registered voters. 

He said if SODELPA cannot change the new constitution based on the requirements, then they will have to follow other legal ways outside the constitution.

Qarase also said that SODELPA wants to have a coalition with the Fiji Labour Party, the National Federation Party and the People’s Democratic Party who have agreed to change the 2013 constitution.

According to the SODELPA manifesto, it will make a new constitution for Fiji and will ensure God’s rightful place, uphold Christian principles and values and ensure respect for all religious faiths.

Meanwhile the Fiji Labour Party and the People’s Democratic Party have stressed that they support Fiji to be a secular state.

FLP Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry said Labour has always advocated freedom of religion and people should not have any doubt on FLP’s policy on secular state.

Chaudhry said the party would like to see full religious freedom accorded to all citizens of Fiji.

When asked if the party is satisfied with the provisions of the 2013 constitution which promotes freedom of religion, Chaudhry stated that all previous constitutions had provisions for freedom of religion and so does this constitution.

PDP Leader Felix Anthony said the party fully supports the idea to have a secular state.

According to the 2013 constitution, religion and the state are separate which means that the state and all persons holding public office must treat all religions equally, must not dictate any religious belief and must not prefer one religion over another.

The constitution also states that every person has the right to freedom of religion, conscience and belief.

It further said that every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in private or in public, to manifest and practise their religion or belief in worship, observance, practice or teaching.