Gul, Erdogan deliver message on the 76th anniversary of inclusion of secularism in constitution

In a message delivered on the 76th anniversary of the inclusion of the principle of secularism in the Constitution, President Abdullah Gul noted that neither faith nor lack of faith should be a basis for discrimination and inequality, and the state should treat all faith groups and those without religious beliefs equally. "Regarding and implementing the principle of secularism as a principle of freedom and peace, with an understanding that sees differences as richness, will be an assurance of living in unity, peace and serenity in our country, which is home to many diverse faith groups," Gul said in his message. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also issued a message on the same occasion, indicating that the principle of secularism should not favor a particular segment of society. "Interpretation of the principle of secularism in a way that will provide privileges to a certain segment of society – before all else – cannot comply with our democracy and democratic culture, which aims to embrace all segments of society on the basis of equality and justice and without discriminating based on race, religion, language, sect or social segment," Erdogan noted.