When thinking about rights, always remember: the Constitution says that we are all equal in the law. We all have the right to be protected by the law. So, the government, an organisation or person cannot discriminate against you. They cannot deny you rights due to, for example, your race, gender, being gay, being disabled – or your religion or belief.

South Africa is a secular state. This means that government is separate from religion and our laws are not made to fit with any one religion. Contrast this with Saudi Arabia for example, where their interpretation of Islam is behind all law. So our law protects some things that some religions and traditions don’t support, such as being gay and not being allowed to beat your wife and children. The law cannot please all the different religions in every way.

Section 15(1) of the Constitution says: “Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.” This includes the right to not believe or follow any religion.

So the government is not allowed to favour one religion. Anyone can have a belief and talk about it openly. You can show your belief through worship, teaching, or through holding ceremonies, and no-one can try and stop you.

A place like a government school or government department is allowed to hold religious ceremonies or prayers. But, they must allow all religions to do so at that place, and people cannot be forced to attend – they must go voluntarily.

In the story, because most of the teachers and children in the school are Christians, the Deputy admits that they, “have taken a Christian world-view for granted” and sees that this attitude is wrong.

However, remember the limitations in the Constitution? (See in explanation in the It’s Your Right Handbook) Your religion may say that what someone else believes or does is wrong. You can hold that belief – but you may not discriminate against the other person.

In the story the Deputy Head and teacher hear that Antonia is an atheist, and at once think there is something wrong. They ask if she is in trouble in some way. This is a type of discrimination. Solomon and Magdalen believe in devils and demons and that Antonia is possessed. They want to take action and have Antonia ‘exorcised’. This is challenging her right to believe what she wants. And the actions of a small group of parents who want her out of the school for her belief is illegal. Their case would never hold up in a court.