Secularism as a Western term is defined as the separation of powers of church & State. In the context of the other societies, it is near-complete freedom of religion and the lack of authority of religious leaders over the political matters. Democracy is not a pre-requisite for establishing a secular state though secularism works best when adapted with a democratic system. Characteristics of the secular society: • Separation of state & religion- Religious groups, do not interfere in affairs of state, and the state does not interfere in religious affairs. • Religious freedom- Defend the absolute freedom of the religious and other belief. It protects the rights of both the believers and non-believers. • Equal access to the public services- No discrimination is allowed to access the public services on the basis of religion. State-funded schools are non-religious in character. • It refuses theocracy, i.e. theocracy is a government by divine guidance or by the officials who are regarded as divinely guided. In several theocracies, government leaders are members of the clergy, and the state's legal system is based on religious law. Contemporary examples of theocracies include Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Vatican. • Protection of free speech & expression- Religious people have the right to express their beliefs publicly but so do those who oppose/question those beliefs. • Promote the idea of democracy- All the citizens are considered equal irrespective of their religious affiliation and universal human rights precedes the religious demands.