Majilis approved the first reading of the bill on religious activities
The Majilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the plenary meeting approved in first reading the draft law “On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Religious Activities and Religious Associations”.
The bill was presented to deputies by the Minister for Religious Affairs and Civil Society of the Republic of Kazakhstan Darkhan Kaletayev.
The purpose of the bill is to improve state-confessional relations, specify the rights and obligations of subjects of religious activity, as well as regulate the religious sphere.
“In general, the norms provided for in the bill are introduced to enhance the stability of the religious situation in the country, increase the responsibility of religious associations and citizens, and prevent the use of religion for destructive purposes,” D. Kaletayev noted.
The bill provides for 53 amendments and additions to 12 legislative acts. These amendments can be roughly divided into three blocks.
The first block includes amendments designed to prevent the use of religion for destructive purposes. In particular, such new concepts as “destructive religious movement” and “religious radicalism” are introduced.
The bill also provides for a ban on wearing items that interfere with face recognition in public places. A ban is introduced on the spread of the ideology of destructive religious movements.
The second block contains provisions on the concretization of the rights and obligations of subjects of religious activity. First, basic regulation of the behavior of public servants is proposed.
Secondly, in order to monitor the activities of religious associations for compliance with the law, it is proposed that the Ministry of Religious and Civil Society Affairs and local executive bodies be given the appropriate competence and determine the procedure for conducting verification. Thirdly, the functions of local executive bodies for monitoring the religious situation are being introduced.
Fourthly, it is proposed to empower the Penitentiary System Committee with the authority to approve the rules for organizing the work of theological rehabilitation services with prisoners. The bill also proposes to expand the functions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the prevention of crimes related to religious activities, as well as extremism and terrorism.
The third block includes amendments designed to make the activities of religious associations easier and more understandable. In particular, simplification of requirements for registration of regional religious associations is provided. In the Administrative Code, in the sanction of norms providing for responsibility in the field of religious activity (Article 490 of the Administrative Code), a “warning” is first introduced.
The legislation is brought into line with Kazakhstan's international obligations to ensure the equality of both believers and non-believers. Protection of minors from illegal involvement in religious activities, as well as transparency of financial activities of religious associations, are increasing.
In addition, the draft law streamlines the process of obtaining religious education abroad, introduces the requirement to prevent religious rites and ceremonies for the conclusion or termination of marriage (matrimony) outside religious buildings.