Meaning: The quote by Maggie Gallagher addresses the intersection of religious beliefs and public discourse, particularly in the context of moral and ethical considerations. Gallagher challenges the notion that religious individuals should be sidelined from participating in discussions and decision-making processes related to moral issues within the public sphere. The quote alludes to the potential danger of marginalizing religious perspectives, asserting that doing so could lead to the establishment of a secular ideology as the dominant force in shaping public policy and discourse.

The quote starts by highlighting the implication that religious believers should be excluded from engaging in moral discussions within the public square or in the context of voting. This suggestion is presented as a form of discrimination against religious individuals, denying them the right to contribute to debates and decisions that have ethical and moral implications for society. By framing this exclusion as an attempt to establish a "Reichian secularism" as the state's dominant ideology, Gallagher draws a parallel to totalitarian regimes that sought to impose a singular, all-encompassing belief system on their populations.

The term "Reichian secularism" is a reference to the authoritarian and secular nature of the regime led by Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. By invoking this historical context, Gallagher underscores the potential danger of relegating religious perspectives to the margins of public discourse and policy-making. The comparison serves to emphasize the risks associated with marginalizing religious beliefs in favor of a singular secular ideology, implying that such a shift could lead to the imposition of a state-sanctioned belief system that suppresses diverse religious and moral viewpoints.

Gallagher's assertion that excluding religious believers from engaging in moral debates and voting processes would establish a "Reichian secularism as our state faith" underscores the concern that secularism, when taken to an extreme, could become a form of orthodoxy that suppresses alternative viewpoints. This aligns with the broader debate about the role of religion in public life and the extent to which religious beliefs should inform public policy and ethical considerations. It also raises questions about the balance between ensuring freedom of religious expression and preventing the imposition of religious doctrine on a pluralistic society.

The quote reflects a broader discourse about the role of religion in the public sphere and the tension between secularism and religious freedom. It highlights the ongoing debate about the extent to which religious beliefs should influence public policy and decision-making, particularly in relation to moral and ethical issues. Gallagher's perspective challenges the notion that religious individuals should be excluded from shaping public discourse and policy, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing complex moral questions.

In conclusion, Maggie Gallagher's quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the intersection of religious beliefs, public discourse, and the potential implications of excluding religious perspectives from moral discussions and decision-making processes. It raises important questions about the balance between secularism and religious freedom, as well as the potential risks associated with marginalizing religious viewpoints in public debate and policy-making. The quote invites reflection on the role of diverse perspectives, including religious beliefs, in shaping a more inclusive and robust public discourse around moral and ethical considerations.