BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — The parliament of Kyrgyzstan has drafted measures that would significantly tighten restrictions already being imposed upon faith groups.
The rights group Forum 18 reports that Zhogorku Kenesh, the Kyrgyzstani parliament, gave first approval Dec. 12 to drafts of a newer religion law and newer amendments to the violations code.
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The newer law, if instituted, takes effect Feb. 1, 2025. It would not give legal status to faith groups with fewer than 500 adult members, states Forum 18. Currently, the minimum is 200. Also, the newer amendments to the violations code markedly increases fines for infractions against the religion law.
Faith groups in Kyrgyzstan must register with the government in order to exist, says Forum 18. The newer law mandates re-registration every 10 years and allows government entities to decide the fate and legal status of faith groups. Government entities may define “preaching activity,” determine allowable rituals or events and censor materials.
Banned by the new religion law are public distribution of faith materials, public evangelism and private instruction. Religious education is prohibited without government approval of the curriculum.
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