The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was drafted in 1777 by Thomas Jefferson and has been of huge import to the healthy development of the United States. Associated with this is Jefferson's 'Wall of Separation' letter to the Baptists of Danbury.
I touched on the above in relation to Northern Irish politics on my essay on NI21 on the Huffington Post here.
Ireland's history on both sides of the border has been hugely determined by priests, reverands and other so-called "men of god". However secular societies have long shown themselves to be the most stable, peaceful and tolerant. So it's my contention that the above report should be given attention and the calls for a full separation between church and state in the Republic of Ireland, should be carefully considered.
I'll leave with a quote from WB Yeats:
"Once you attempt legislation upon religious grounds you open the way for every kind of intolerance and religious persecution."
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