Type | Journal Article - Analysis |
Title | Georgian secularism between modernization and democratization: Minority issues and social cohesion |
Author(s) | |
Issue | 174 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2013 |
URL | http://www.ispionline.it/sites/default/files/pubblicazioni/analysis_174_2013.pdf.pdf |
Abstract | Georgia is a relatively small country with a mixed population: the overwhelming majority of Georgians belong to the Georgian Orthodox Church which has an important role in the Nation building of the country, but there are some significant religious minorities. Some of them are settled in territories which border with countries where they represent the majority, and Georgia has already suffered from breakaway wars in the recent past. Since its independence from the Soviet Union, there were episodes of religious intolerance. Albeit the modernization which the country underwent in the last decade embedded an enforcement of secularism, up to recent days some case were still registered of intolerance and of the manipulation of the religious sentiments for political purpose. A sound secular and democratic order and a tolerant environment are the best protection for each and all citizens of Georgia, and a matter of urgency after the ignominious events of 17th of May, when antigay protesters led by Orthodox clergy violently prevented a anti-homophobia rally from taking place. |
» | Georgia - General Population Census of 2002 |