The Appeal of Belarusian citizens lodged to the Constitutional Court

On February, 26 the representatives of the initiators of the Campaign «Protecting the rights of freedom of conscience» lodged the collective Appeal of Belarusian citizens to the Constitutional Court. More than 50 000 signatures and 3442 subscription lists for alteration of the Law «On freedom of conscience and religious organizations» were attached to the Appea, reports New Life church press centrel.

On February, 27 the representatives of the Campaign’s initiators sent the Appeal and copies of subscription lists to the House of Representatives.

On February, 28 the Appeal and copies of subscription lists were sent to the Administration of the President of Belarus.

In particular it is said in the Appeal: «number of rules of Belarusian legislation unlawfully and disproportionately restricts the right of freedom of conscience. For example, when the Law «On freedom of conscience and religious organizations» was being adopted the leaders of religious denominations noted its drastically restricting orientation. However, state lawgiving authorities explained this with «fighting against destructive sects».

Nevertheless, from the day of its adoption, the «Law» has not been applied against destructive sects (satanists, etc.). However, there are hundreds of facts of applying this Law against Christians, against ministers of registered and unregistered Christian churches. They endured administrative punishments only for the fact that they together with their church members were praying to God in their own houses without local authorities’ permission».

The Appeal is suggesting to make changes in the Law «On freedom of conscience and religious organizations». For example, to remove the rule subscribing to submit the services conducting to local authorities’ approval; the rule limiting religious organization’s territory of activity; the rule forbidding foreign citizens and stateless persons to be founders and leaders of religious communities and other.

Within a month period these state structures have to consider the collective Appeal of Belarusian citizens and to respond to it.

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[03/04/2008]

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