Perhaps we should not be surprised that Fiji dropped the democratic ball after the Hail Mary pass that their Colonial masters gave them at independence: a nation divided by tribal and ethnic barriers. In the course of Britain’s colonial rule so many Indians were imported to work in the cane fields, that by the time Read more
In the western experience modernisation and secularism come in a single package. “Real modernity must be democratic, runs the logic; and real democracy must be secular” says Lois Lee. However, outside of Europe, modernity is emerging without secularism. In modernised India for example the organisation of public space and the place of religion in it is quite different. The historian Dipesh Read more
The NSW Greens “have called for the closing of loopholes in the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act that allow businesses owned by religious groups to discriminate against students, employees and clients if they hold something about them that conflicts with their beliefs”. Currently, the churches have “exemptions” from the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act. Bishop Julian Porteous Auxiliary Read more
On November 25, the majority of Tonga’s MPs will be elected by ordinary Tongans. History will be made as this is the first time MP’s will be elected in this way. Things happen slowly in Tonga. Widespread consultation with Tongans resulted in a parliamentary and election report resulting in the 12 month adjournment of Parliament. Read more