“Laicite” Vs “Anti-Sectarianism”. They’re Not The Same Thing.

Yesterday there was a “Laique pride” march that was unfortunately cut short by the events in the south. One thing you should not do is confuse “Laique Pride” (which I support) with “anti-sectarian” demonstrations (which I don’t).

Yes, there’s a difference: The “anti-sectarian” movement was political in nature and is specific to Lebanon: Its ultimate goal was to abolish the quota system that governs Lebanese politics and establish a one-man-one vote system in the hope of creating a fairer, more equal society.

“Laicite” (secularism) on the other hand is more of a universal and philosophical ideal. It focuses on the simple idea of separating church (or mosque) from state and treating all the people equally under the law.

If you still can’t see the difference, it is helpful to remind you of why the anti-sectarian movement faltered: There was a perception (right or wrong) that parties like Amal and Hezbollah were piggy backing on the movement to “right the wrong” of Shiaas being under-represented in the Lebanese political system. Many who joined those demonstrations were deeply religious people. They would never have joined a Laique pride rally..