Democracy requires the separation of church and state. That's not a "western" standard, but a universal standard. A state which does not engage in this practice deserves condemnation to the extent that it fails to accord the universal human right of freedom of religion - and freedom from religion - to its constituent members.

So Lev, I presume you exclude the UK from your list of acceptable democracies given the established role of the Church of England within the constitution.

Yes Cazza to the extent that the United Kingdom enforces religious requiresments is an extent that it is not a democracy.

Of course, you may wish to compare how the religious laws of the UK effect day-to-day life for its residents to those of Iran.