Quote:
Originally Posted by afc wimbledon
democracy is defined as no more than goverment by the majority through the means of enfranchisement, the definition of basic civil rights is up for negotiation after that, the UK has a state religeon protected in law, it has no constitutional rights, no constitution even, and yet it is a democracy.
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Where are you getting this definition from? Democracy is an extremely complex political concept that you cannot sum up in a sentence definition. Furthermore, the "tyranny of the majority" is a basic concept in any discussion of democracy. You cannot have a democracy with "tyranny of the majority" aka mob rule.
Yes the definition of basic civil rights is up for discussion, but it always includes freedom of religion. People in a democracy have to be free to think what they want, which includes freedom of religion.
There is also a difference between a state religion and a theocracy. No true democracy exists. It's not possible; democracy is a concept. The closer you get to a theocracy the furhter away from a democracy you move. So having a state religion moves you further from being a true democracy, but most countries have them for practical (ex. what days to declare holidays) and historical reasons.
The closer a state moves towards a thoecracy the more it discriminate against those with differing religious views from the state. This is in direct confrontation with the basic ideas behind democracy and civil rights. Both designed to guarantee equality and freedom.