Definitions

Religious Freedom The freedom of individuals to believe in, practice, and promote the religion of choice without (government) interference, harrassment, or other repercussions - as long as practices based on, or resulting from, those beliefs do not break the law (e.g. do not encourage or result in fraud, tax evasion, murder, terrorism, acts designed to undermine the government or the constitution, the use of unethical persuasion tactics, etc).

Religious Intolerance Refusing to acknowledge and support the right of individuals to have their own beliefs and related legitimate practices. Religious Tolerance Acknowledging and supporting that individuals have the right and freedom to their own beliefs and related legitimate practices, without necessarily validating those beliefs or practices.

In a country with a state religion:

toleration = government permits religious practices of other sects besides the state religion, and does not persecute believers in other faiths. It is a partial status, and might still be accompanied by forms of religious discrimination. Religious toleration(government policy) = absence of religious persecution; unlike religious liberty it does not mean that religions are equal before the law. Toleration is a privilege granted by Government (which it may do by law or charter).

CURRENT ISSUE IN MALAYSIA (Lina Joy, Hindraf)

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution The First Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified along with the rest of the Bill of Rights on December 15, 1791, included the following words: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... The first

Toleration and nationhood In his 1882 essay "What is a Nation?", French historian and philosopher Ernst Renan proposed a definition of nationhood based on "a spiritual principle" involving shared memories, rather than a common religious, racial or linguistic heritage. Thus members of any religious group could participate fully in the life of the nation. ""You can be French, English, German, yet Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or practicing no religion".

In Islam Certain verses of the Qu'ran were interpreted to create a specially tolerated status for People of the Book, Jewish and Christian believers in the Old and New Testaments considered to have been a basis for Islamic religion: Verily! Those who believe and those who are Jews and Christians, and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward with their Lord, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve . Under Islamic law, Jews and Christians were considered dhimmis, a legal status inferior to that of a Muslim but superior to that of other non-Muslims.

In Hindu religion The Rigveda says Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanti which translates to "The truth is One, but sages call it by different Names". Consistent with this tradition, India chose to be a secular country even though it was created after partitioning on religious lines. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that Sharia or Muslim law, holds precedence for Muslims over Indian civil law

In summary, we feel that Denigrating other individuals' or other groups' religious beliefs is not acceptable; Acts which hurt others are unacceptable, even when they are religiously motivated; Advocating that others perform harmful acts is unacceptable, even when religiously motivated.

We believe that friction and hatred between religions can be reduced through understanding. But understanding can only be reached if people learn about the tenets of other religions. They need to know how the beliefs of other faith groups differ from each other and from their own faith group.

The meaning of the term "religious tolerance" does involve: Accepting that followers of various religions consider their own beliefs to be true. Most people believe that their religious beliefs are true, perhaps even true on an absolute basis.
Allowing others to hold religious beliefs that are different from yours. No society is truly free unless there is freedom of religious association, speech and belief for everyone. Allowing others to freely change their religion, or denomination or beliefs. Freedom of religion includes the right to change one's faith.

Allowing others to practice their religious faith, within reasonable limits. Religion is more than belief; it involves practices as well. Refusing to discriminate in employment, accommodation etc. on religious grounds. People who follow minority religions have the right to be treated fairly in the workplace and society generally. Making a reasonable effort to accommodate other people's religious needs. For example: Allowing an employee to work overtime in order to take off a religious festival or holy day that is significant to them. Scheduling meetings so that they do not conflict with common holy days.