2002 press releases

Embassy Statement on Law and Religion (June 25, 2002)

The U.S. Government wishes to express its concern regarding the draft law on religion that is currently under consideration by the Belarusian Parliament. This draft law appears intended to hinder and prevent the activities of religious groups that the Government of Belarus considers "non-traditional" faiths, and contradicts international principles of religious freedom and human rights.

We call upon the Parliament and the Government of Belarus to take the necessary measures to ensure that the draft law on religion provides all Belarusian citizens, regardless of religious faith, the same opportunities to conduct worship without hindrance and in keeping with international norms on the freedom of religion.