Berik Aryn held a briefing on the draft law on religious activities

On December 11, the Central communications Service held a briefing on the draft law «on amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on religious activities and religious associations» .

At the briefing, Vice-Minister for religious Affairs and civil society of Kazakhstan Berik Aryn informed about the amendments that are expected to be made to the legislation on religious activities.

According to the Vice-Minister, about 50 amendments and additions to 12 legislative acts are submitted for discussion. All amendments can be divided into three blocks.

The first block is aimed at preventing the use of religion for destructive purposes. The law introduces a legal definition of such concepts as « destructive religious movement" and "religious radicalism». The draft law provides for a number of other measures, including a ban on the wearing of clothing that hides the face in public places, as well as a ban on the use and public display of attributes and external signs of destructive trends, and the dissemination of their ideology.

The second section contains rules for correcting the activities of state bodies. It clarifies the requirements for civil servants in terms of preventing the use of official position in the interests of religions. The functions of local state bodies in monitoring religious activities are being expanded. It clarifies the powers in terms of rehabilitation of convicts for state agencies working with this category of citizens. The bill also proposes to expand the functions of the police to prevent crimes related to religious activities.

The third block includes amendments designed to make the work of religious associations easier and clearer. This applies, for example, to simplifying the registration requirements for regional religious associations. The processes of obtaining religious education abroad are being regulated. The protection of minors from illegal involvement in religious activities is being increased. In addition, the draft Law includes provisions to increase the transparency of financial activities of religious associations.

At the end of the meeting, Vice-Minister Berik Aryn and Chairman of the Committee on religious Affairs Erkin Ongarbayev answered questions from media representatives.