2002 Policy Archive

Belarus's New Law on Religion (Nov. 1, 2002)

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman

The United States Government deplores the Lukashenko regime's latest action to further restrict religious freedom.  The new Belarusian law on religion that Lukashenko signed on October 31 contradicts international principles of religious freedom and human rights.  We join the European Union and members of many faiths in our opposition to this law, which appears intended primarily to hinder and prevent the activities of religious groups that the Lukashenko regime considers "non-traditional" faiths.  The law, however, also places unacceptable restrictions on all faiths in some measure, in as much as it requires permission from government authorities for religious processions and other activities, such as masses, weddings, funerals, and religious meetings.

We call upon the Lukashenko regime to take the necessary measures to ensure that Belarusian citizens, regardless of religious faith, have the same opportunities to conduct worship without hindrance and in keeping with international norms on the freedom of religion.