Context
Lebanon’s sectarian power-sharing model was designed to manage diversity, yet it has also entrenched unequal access, weakened common citizenship, and made public institutions vulnerable to political bargaining. A civil state does not erase religious identity. It protects freedom of belief while ensuring that public rights, duties, and opportunities are governed by one constitutional standard for every citizen.
The Circle’s position
Citizenship should be the basis of rights and duties. The state must protect freedom of belief while ensuring equality before civil law and impartial public institutions.
Why It Matters
This choice affects access to public office, personal rights, political accountability, national identity, and the ability of institutions to serve people fairly.
Citizenship and Civil State →