The First Right

Freedom of religion is the first human right. If we are allowed to practise our religion or openly reject any religion, then everything else falls into place. And where freedom of religion is taken away, every other human right is automatically stifled. In this way, freedom of religion is the first link in the chain that locks in and restricts the state so that citizens can live in freedom. For believers and non-believers alike, it lays the foundation for a liberal society. Globally and in Sweden, there is an ongoing debate and ongoing work for the right to practise and spread one’s faith. But how effective is it? And why does the most persecuted group in the world, Christians, seem to be the least worthy of protection? The First Right is a landmark work for anyone interested in the status of religion. It provides a broad overview of current political measures that can be traced back thousands of years. In the debate about the threatened status of liberal democracy, it appears that freedom to and from religion is perhaps the most important safeguard for the survival of the secular state.