☰ Contents · History of world religions

The content of the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organisations

Lessons 19 · 1 lessons · Z. Islomov, D. Rahimjonov, J. Najmiddinov. History of world religions, Grade 10, 1st edition. Yangiyo‘l Poligraf Servis, Tashkent, 2017
19

The content of the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organisations

Textbook: pp. 111–115
GoalDescribe the constitutional guarantees of freedom of conscience, the main principles of the law, the rules for religious organisations and the rights and duties involved.
New words
freedom of conscience · vijdon erkinligireligious organisation · diniy tashkilotregistration · ro‘yxatdan o‘tishequality before the law · qonun oldida tenglik
Explanation

The Constitution of Uzbekistan guarantees everyone freedom of conscience: everyone has the right to profess any religion or none, religious views may not be imposed by force, and all citizens are equal before the law regardless of religion. This right is specified in the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organisations: the first law was adopted in 1991, a new edition was adopted on 1 May 1998 and a new edition was approved in 2021. The main principles of the law: religion is separated from the state (the state does not interfere in the internal affairs of religious organisations, and religious organisations do not interfere in state affairs); no one is discriminated against for his belief or for expressing it; the education system is secular, while religious education is given in special religious educational institutions; religious organisations operate after registration in the manner set by law; religious literature and articles are produced, imported and distributed in the prescribed manner; minors may not be drawn into religion against their own will and that of their parents. The right of freedom of conscience may be limited by law in connection with the rights of others, public order, security, health and morals; for example, preparing and distributing materials that promote religious extremism is an offence. Administrative or criminal liability is provided for violating the law. The law also allows citizens to freely fulfil their religious duties and religious organisations to carry out their activity.

Worked examples
If a pupil mocks a classmate because of his religion, this goes against the law’s principle and the constitutional right to equality. The right action: respectful communication and, if needed, turning to a teacher or the administration.
If a religious organisation operates without registration, the law is regarded as violated. The registration procedure serves openness of activity and legal guarantees.
Class activity

Principles table: write one everyday example explaining each of six principles of the law (for example “religion is separated from the state” – secular education at school). Check results in pairs.

Practice
1
State the constitutional guarantee of freedom of conscience in your own words.
2
Which years of adoption of the law’s editions do you know?
3
What does the separation of religion from the state mean in practice?
4
Why may the right to freedom of conscience be limited by law?