Photo courtesy of ntv.com.tr
On December 26, the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) adopted two draft laws in their second and third readings that regulate the religious sphere. These are the laws «On Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations» and «On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Religious Sphere."
The draft amendments aim to ensure the rights of citizens and religious organizations, and to align the legislation with the law «On Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations."
Key provisions in the draft law include bans on:
👉 Complete face covering (i.e., wearing niqabs, burqas) in government institutions and public places. Exceptions are made for cases related to medical conditions, work or sports activities, as well as cultural or public events.
👉 Inviting religious figures to conduct religious ceremonies in nursing homes, correctional facilities, and the Armed Forces without approval from the relevant authorities.
👉 Creating political parties based on religious principles or using religious themes in campaign materials.
👉 Distributing religious literature and materials in public places, government and municipal organizations, and educational institutions (except in religious venues).
👉 Discrimination based on religious affiliation, including on the internet.
👉 Conducting religious activities or using religious buildings without proper registration.
The «On Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations» draft law proposes regulating the process for receiving religious education abroad. Those wishing to study outside the country must obtain approval from the State Commission on Religious Affairs and the central body of the religious organization.
The draft law also introduces a registration system for religious buildings and includes additional bans (some not mentioned previously):
▶️ Banning religious proselytism in residential and non-residential premises, except in religious institutions and educational facilities;
▶️ Banning the import, production, and distribution of materials containing calls for extremist activities;
▶️ Banning the dissemination and promotion of religion in government and municipal institutions, as well as in the Armed Forces;
▶️ Banning the involvement of minors in religious activities or religious positions;
▶️ Banning coercion to change religion;
▶️ Banning the undermining of Kyrgyz traditions through religious norms.
These bans aim to regulate the relationship between religion, society, and the state system, and to ensure the secular nature of the government.
Violators of these bans will face fines: individuals will be fined 200 calculation points (20,000 som or $230), and legal entities will be fined 650 calculation points (65,000 som or $747).
Both bills will be sent to the President of Kyrgyzstan for approval.
