Secularism protest from HKP: Close down the sects and congregations!

Members of the People's Liberation Party (HKP) held a protest in Kadıköy, Istanbul, on the 87th anniversary of the adoption of secularism. During the protest, where banners reading "Without secularism, there is no democracy, science, or freedom" and placards stating "secularism is women's freedom," "we will defeat reactionism," and "long live the secular Republic" were displayed, HKP Kadıköy Mayoral Candidate Pınar Akbina Karaman said, "Today, rather than a celebration, we are engaged in a struggle to protect secularism against the AKP and its cohorts, who are pouring fuel on the roots of the secular Republic."

'SECULARISM SAVES WOMEN FROM MEDIEVAL DARKNESS'

Asking, "Why is secularism important? Why is it indispensable, especially for women and children?" Karaman stated the following:

"Secularism means the complete separation of state and religion. Thus, people can practice their beliefs and worship in their private lives as they wish, but state institutions—primarily law, the judiciary, and education—are established and operate within the framework of rules dictated by reason and science, which are the values of the common human conscience. Religion is never allowed to interfere with or intervene in the state. Unity and harmony among people can only be achieved through secularism. There is no other way."

Karaman continued, "Secularism saves women from medieval darkness and from being condemned to a life between the bedroom and the kitchen. It saves women from the imposition of the headscarf, the black chador, and the veil, which are symbols of captivity. It saves women from being reduced to a status lower than animals and ensures their presence in economic and social life. Without secularism, freedom for women is impossible."

'WE WILL DEFEND THE PRINCIPLE OF SECULARISM'

The HKP candidate concluded her statement by saying, "Education is being reactionary under the name of ÇEDES. Sects are running rampant in schools. They are trying to raise children who do not question, who are distanced from scientific education, and who will become disciples, servants, and slaves to sects. We, the second liberation fighters of this country, are defending the principle of secularism—which, even if not fully implemented, partially restrained the medieval reactionism that collaborated with imperialists during the first Kuvayi Milliye—in its true sense and to the very end."

During the protest, HKP members chanted slogans such as "Close down the sects and congregations," "Sharia is medieval," and "Secularism is women's freedom."

News Source: 12punto