Deputies adopted the draft law “On freedom of conscience and religious organizations” in first reading

The draft law revokes the restriction on wearing religious garments in public places.

Today, September 15, the plenary session of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis was held. The Minister of Justice Ruslanbek Davletov presented the new version of the draft law of Uzbekistan “On freedom of conscience and religious organizations” to the parliament.

The bill was considered by deputies and adopted in the first reading.

“Speaking about the current relevance of the bill, Ruslanbek Davletov stressed that it will help to overcome the problems faced by citizens in the implementation of religious beliefs, religious education and the free functioning of religious organizations, prevent inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts.

The main purpose of this bill is to strengthen the guarantees of freedom of conscience, to introduce new mechanisms to ensure the right of everyone to believe or not to believe in any religion, as well as to improve the state policy on religion,” the statement of the Justice Ministry reads. 

According to the amendments, one of the problems plaguing the population – restrictions on wearing religious garments in public places – is being resolved.

In accordance with the current law “On freedom of conscience and religious organizations”, the number of people to establish a religious organization should be not be less than 100. The amended version of the document reduces this number to 50.

One of the novelties in the law is the simplification of procedures for state registration of religious organizations, in particular, the number of submitted documents is being reduced, notarial and other requirements are being abolished, full electronic public services are being introduced. Also, the grounds for refusal of registration are being clearly defined.

Earlier, the Committee on Religious Affairs listed in detail the novelties envisaged in the bill.

The law comes into force after it is officially announced, approved by the Senate and then signed by the President.