key to this is the idea that a religion is the same thing as a political party, in a truly secular state. arguing otherwise is the part of the debate i have difficulty understanding; i don't understand how somebody can tell me a religion is something different than an opinion, and still think we live in a democracy. if you're going to look at me with a straight face and tell me religious beliefs have some special sanctified place and are different than any other opinion, you are legislating faith above the law, and don't believe in equality or democracy. if religious belief is the same as any other opinion, than a religion is nothing more or less than a political party, and it should be taxed like a political party and have restrictions on donations to it that are the same as donating to a political party. further, any activity in support of that religion or political party would be banned at work, including symbols associated with the religion / political party.
the united states has a similar law called the hatch act, and there is some case law supporting the same position at the federal level in canada, but i don't want to look it up right now.