BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Enhanced restrictions on religious liberty and religious freedom currently are being considered in Kyrgyzstan. Proposed amendments to the existing Religion Law reportedly had their first reading in the Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament) in the capital city of Bishkek on June 1.
If approved, there would be full state censorship of all religious literature published, distributed or photocopied in Kyrgyzstan or imported into the country as well as a ban on sharing beliefs in public — especially door-to-door.
The amendments were prepared by the State Commission for Religious Affairs and the timeline for consideration allows for a quick decision or could be extended into the fall.
Other provisions in the proposed amendments include an increase in the required number of adult citizens living in one place — from 200 to 500 — before a religious community can apply for registration. There also would be a requirement that anyone traveling abroad for religious education would have to inform the state where they are studying.
Punishments have not yet been set out for those violating these provisions.
Existing provisions in the law — which are reported to be a violation of Kyrgyzstan’s international human rights commitments — include a ban on exercising freedom of religion or belief without state registration. (F18)
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